Victoria’s emergency broadcasting network has been expanded in time for the summer fire season.
Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino today announced that three community radio stations have signed memorandums of understanding with the Andrews Labor Government.
The 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission recommended that official emergency broadcasters be expanded to include community stations.
The addition of Gippsland FM, 3MGB and Light FM to the pool of emergency broadcasters means there will be 62 stations providing vital emergency information this summer.
Light FM reaches the Melbourne metropolitan region, Gippsland Radio 3GCR provides coverage to Central Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley, while 3MGB broadcasts to Mallacoota, Gypsy Point and Genoa.
As summer begins, Victorians can stay informed by tuning into local radio and Sky News broadcasts, phoning the VicEmergency hotline 1800 226 226, visiting emergency.vic.gov.au, and downloading the new VicEmergency app, which is available now from the App Store or Google Play.
For existing FireReady users, the new VicEmergency app is available as an update.
Visit emv.vic.gov.au for a complete list of emergency broadcasters in Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino
“Community radio stations are a trusted source of emergency information and they have an important role to play during fires, floods and other major incidents.”
“With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to increase your understanding of the fire risk in your local area, prepare your property, and talk to your household about what you’ll do to stay safe from fire.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020