The Carroll Labor Government must urgently explain communication failures that hampered emergency responses during the past summer’s devastating bushfires and guarantee the issues are fixed before the upcoming fire season.
New reports have revealed critical digital mapping and communication systems failed firefighters during a bushfire that impacted Streatham, Carranballac and Skipton in January, raising serious questions about the reliability of emergency technology when communities need it most.
Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said these failures echoed problems experienced during the Natimuk and Quantong fire that same month, where the failure of a Telstra tower at Mt Arapiles significantly disrupted communications across the area.
“Whether it’s a failure of emergency technology or vital telecommunications infrastructure, the outcome is the same – firefighters and emergency services are left without reliable communications when every second counts,” Ms Kealy said.
“Our CFA volunteers run towards danger. The very least the government can do is ensure the systems supporting them work effectively when lives, homes and livelihoods are at risk.
“New Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke must tell Victorians what failed, why it failed and what has been done to ensure it cannot happen again.”
Ms Kealy said the failures highlighted why regional Victoria needed its fair share of investment in resilient infrastructure.
“The Nationals’ Fair Share Guarantee will ensure at least 25 per cent of new infrastructure investment goes to regional Victoria – because reliable telecommunications and emergency infrastructure aren’t optional extras for country communities,” she said.
“This isn’t about blaming our emergency service volunteers. They performed magnificently under incredibly difficult circumstances.
“It’s about making sure government gives them the technology, communications and infrastructure they need to do their job safely and effectively.
“Regional Victorians deserve confidence that when the next major fire starts, our emergency services won’t be battling communication failures as well as the fire itself.
“The new minister must address identified communication vulnerabilities and ensure emergency systems are fully tested before summer.”