Welcome to eEmergency Management

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The rollout of the National Broadband Network throughout NSW North Coast will have immeasurable benefit for regional and rural communities during periods of emergency, particularly at a time the area has recently experienced unprecedented levels of flooding and storm events.

Communications are the pinnacle of emergency management. It provides the mechanism for informing communities, both through early warning systems and ongoing public broadcasts; linking agencies involved in emergency response to enable collaboration and consistency; and providing accurate information to decision makers and external agencies.

Agencies involved in Emergency Manage­ment identify the following as benefits to be gained from the NBN rollout:

• High speed access to information and data vital for decision making;
• Forecasts and modelling regarding changing emergency activity;
• More accurate information through improved mapping and GIS system;
• Improved capacity of communication systems to cope with increased demand and usage during emergencies;
• Ability to maintain contact with field officers outside of traditional network areas, and;
• Fast and efficient communications between all Agencies involved.

It is imperative that broadband technology across the region is in place to meet the increased reliance on it, particularly in times of disaster.

A strong broadband network will also ensure that all people have access to information prior to large scale events, in an on-going capacity to enable better preparedness and reduce levels of risk.

Risks to livelihood can be decreased through early warning systems, and access to accurate information for the public, and responses from community, agencies and decision makers. This can only be achieved through the application of fast and reliable technology which can reach and allow for two-way interaction with the broad masses, particularly those in regional, rural and isolated areas.

"The introduction of NBN throughout this area will provide an opportunity to engage and adopt national early warning systems and implement strategies which serve to heighten the ability of the community to respond in an emergency. Further it will provide response agencies with access to accurate information, forecasts and modelling systems which will enable improved decision making and outcomes."

Allan Hindmarsh Local Emergency Management Officer, Coffs Harbour and Bellingen Local Emergency Management Committee