General News
7 August, 2024
Flood warning failures are identified
EXPERIENCES from the October 2022 flood emergency should help the State Government adopt best practice for community warning frequency. The inquiry report said warnings to affected communities during the emergency had been inconsistent. “Some...
EXPERIENCES from the October 2022 flood emergency should help the State Government adopt best practice for community warning frequency.
The inquiry report said warnings to affected communities during the emergency had been inconsistent.
“Some areas received excessive warnings from competing sources whilst others received incorrect, limited or delayed warnings,” the inquiry found.
“In both circumstances communities experienced a degree of confusion which limited people’s capacity to make informed decisions.
“Given the growing reliance on digital forms of communication, this is a significant challenge to address to ensure effective communication during natural disasters or other crisis events,” according to the report released on Tuesday afternoon.
The inquiry also found that telecommunications access was an issue and local residents reported delays in restoration of digital connectivity.
It has recommended that State and Federal governments address connectivity limitations, focusing on rural and remote areas and options:
enhanced infrastructure investment;
geographically based coverage; and
rapid deployment of temporary satellite vans.
“While technology is relied upon for communication by authorities, digital connectivity is a barrier to access reliable and up-to-date information in rural communities. In Gannawarra, more than 30 per cent of dwellings do not have access to the internet (2021 Census). There are also ‘blackspot’ areas where internet and mobile phone coverage is not available or lacking,” Gannawarra Shire told the inquiry.