Federal Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon and Victorian Deputy Premier Peter Ryan have announced an agreement  with Vodafone Hutchison Australia to provide location-based emergency warnings during disasters.

 

Ms Roxon said the agreement would ensure more people benefit from the location-based text alert warnings by the end of next year.

 

"Getting emergency warnings out effectively during a natural disaster is absolutely critical, I'm pleased Vodafone has come on board to do this," Ms Roxon said.

 

"Emergency Alert has delivered 7.5 million warning messages for more than 500 emergencies across the nation.

 

"The enhanced Emergency Alert system will mean that people in disaster areas will be able to receive an alert based on location, rather than relying on the customer's 'registered' address.

 

"These changes are going to be a huge help for our emergency service agencies and will help to prepare local communities in times of disaster."

 

Mr Ryan said all states and territories would benefit from the decision by Vodafone to join Telstra in the delivery of the location-based alert technology.

 

"This is a world-first technology that is being rolled out across Australia and will offer a highly targeted location-based alert system for use during emergencies," Mr Ryan said.

 

"The Victorian Government has led negotiations with telecommunications carriers on behalf of all states and territories.

 

"The location-based SMS solution will be rolled out by Telstra this November, with Vodafone planning to provide the same service from November 2013."

 

Mr Ryan said that while the location-based technology was a significant benefit, people should not solely rely on mobile phones for bushfire alerts or warnings.

 

"It is important that people tune in to the radio, check emergency services websites and stay aware of conditions," Mr Ryan said.

 

Negotiations continue to progress positively with Optus to provide location-based emergency warnings, which we expect to be finalised shortly.