Timing of bushfire warning system questioned
Timing of bushfire warning system questioned
13 January 2010
published by www.abc.net.au
Australia — The ACT Opposition has questioned the Government’s decision to conduct the second test of a new phone bushfire warning system today.
The national emergency alert system was first tested in the ACT in December but there were a few glitches.
Phone messages will be sent today to people living in several locations, including Fadden, Gilmore, Chisholm, Black Mountain, Uriarra, Pierces Creek, and the Cotter.
The Opposition’s Emergency Services spokesman, Brendan Smyth, says there is a real risk of bushfires today and the test could create confusion.
“I think the timing’s very curious,” he said.
“We’ve got catastrophic warnings across most of South East Australia, yet we’ve got a Minister who said the ACT’s prepared for the fire season testing his warning system on what will be a very hot day.”
