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Emergency broadcast boost for Queenslanders |
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| Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 21 2010 |
| 2010 >> |
Emergency radio broadcasting in Queensland will be significantly enhanced through a new Memorandum of Understanding with Commercial Radio Australia (CRA).
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the new arrangement between the Department of Community Safety and CRA had the potential to increase the number of Queenslanders who could receive emergency radio broadcasts during natural disasters.
Under terms of the new CRA MOU, individual CRA-affiliated broadcasters will broadcast emergency messages during natural disasters and associated threats.
"Radio broadcasts are a quick and simple way to alert communities of disaster situations and provide information on what to do to prepare and stay as safe as possible," Mr Roberts said.
"Commercial Radio Australia has 60 affiliate stations in Queensland and captures around 80 per cent of the state's radio market.
"This provides the Department with the potential to very significantly expand it s broadcasting reach during times of natural disasters and threats.
"CRA is to be congratulated for its offer to help during natural disasters and support the Department of Community Safety provide the best possible disaster preparation, response and recovery services to Queensland communities." Member for Southport Peter Lawlor backs the partnership between CRA and the Department of Community Safety and thanked the Gold Coast radio stations who are taking part. "It is great to see Gold Coast commercial stations 92.5 Gold FM, 90.9 Sea FM and Hot Tomato throwing their support behind this important memorandum," Mr Lawlor said "This will enable the community to access critical information in the event of a disaster by simple tuning into their favourite radio station." "In many disasters situations battery powered radio is the only option families have for obtaining the latest information. "The new MOU will make accessing that information for Gold Coast residents much easier." Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia Joan Warner welcomed the signing of the MOU, which will make commercial radio stations official providers of emergency services information.
"The MOU with the Queensland Government now means commercial radio stations in this State are recognised and promoted as official broadcasters of information in times of emergency and crisis," Ms Warner said.
"This is a sensible decision given commercial radio reaches around 80 per cent of Australians and can provide a crucial role in helping disseminate information to local communities in times of emergency.
"Commercial radio stations are an integral part of many local communities around Queensland and stand ready, willing and able to assist these communities in times of emergency."
The new CRA MOU is the second such emergency broadcasting arrangement in Queensland.
The department entered into an MOU with the Australian Broadcasting Commission in 2005, under which the ABC undertook to broadcast emergency messages immediately, at an agreed frequency, to target audiences in any area of Queensland on a 24/7 basis. Last changed: Jul 21 2010 at 11:03 AM
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