Ballan to trial emergency text alert system

BALLAN will be included in location-based emergency alert testing in the coming weeks.

The testing of the location-based technology, that aims to spread the reach of emergency alerts to all mobile phones regardless of network, will begin on August 18.

Testing will take place in nine locations around metropolitan and regional Victoria, including Ballan.

During the trials, text messages will be sent to mobile phones on the Optus, Vodaphone and Telstra networks.

At the same time, Victoria’s fire services agencies will also be testing their community warnings and information systems in preparation for summer.

Location-based emergency alerts was a recommendation from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.