Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney has raised the issue of emergency services communication in Parliament after two large fires ravaged parts of Western Victoria last month.
It has been reported that there were a number of complaints made in the Snake Valley area west of Ballarat, regarding a communications “black hole” during the height of the fire.
Ms Tierney made references to the fires west of Portland and west of Ballarat and asked the Minister to explain any failures in the system.
“I ask the Minister to advise me of the most recent audit conducted in respect of emergency services communication facilities and their effectiveness during the height of emergency situations and in particular what happened during the fires in Western Victoria.
“If there has not been a recent audit, why not, when will it happen and what will the action plan entail?” Ms Tierney said.
In her speech Ms Tierney also praised the work of all CFA and DSE fire-fighters and support staff that continue to fight fires across the state.
“Due to the dedication and hard work of Country Fire Authority and Department of Sustainability and Environment officers and volunteers there were only minor injuries as a result of the fires.
Ms Tierney has also warned the community to be on high alert with more high fire risk days forecast.