Moreton Bay Regional Council will
launch a new communication platform to provide disaster management alerts to
local residents.
Mayor Allan Sutherland said
the 'Whispir' system will be operated in partnership with Telstra to
deliver text message, voice message, e-mail, web and social media alerts
to registered users.
“Local residents will
be encouraged to sign up to receive alerts when the system is launched in
the coming months,” Mayor Sutherland said.
“Whispir will have the potential to
provide warnings about possible dam releases from North Pine dam and alert
residents about flash flooding incidents.
“The new system will complement
existing warning mechanisms including weather warnings issued via the radio by
the Bureau of Meteorology and other alerts distributed by emergency service
agencies.
“In launching the system, council will
be implementing a recommendation from the Queensland Floods Commission of
Inquiry interim report.”
Mayor Sutherland said Whispir is used
to provide communication solutions for many leading organisations.
“Government agencies such as the Fire
and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia and New Zealand Police,
currently use the system,” he said.
“And it is little wonder. The
system is leading edge. It allows message delivery to be tracked and has the
capability to send messages to multiple communication channels, all at the same
time.
Whispir CEO Jeromy Wells said the
system provides the capabilities to rapidly send, manage, track and respond to
multiple communications during a local disaster event.
“By selecting the Whispir Platform,
Moreton Bay Regional Council has demonstrated it understands the
importance of effective communication with the community, as well as incident
teams, employees and volunteers, during natural disasters,” Mr Wells said.
“We welcome the opportunity to work
with a council who recognises the critical role and function of local
government in responding to local disaster events, and the benefits of being
equipped with the best technology.”
Chairperson of the Local Disaster
Management Group, Councillor Brian Battersby (Division 10) welcomed
council's adoption of the new disaster warning and communication system.
"Whispir will provide relevant
warnings and alerts to registered users when the system is launched in the
coming weeks," Cr Battersby said.
"Signing up to the new
Whispir system should be on the top of your checklist before this natural
disaster season and registration is free.
"Your checklist should also
include a battery-operated radio to tune into additional warnings
and information, preparing an emergency plan and making sure your
household has an emergency kit."
