By Rob O’Brien
Tasmanian communities will hold tsunami forums to raise awareness about emergency management issues.
Minister for Police and Emergency Management Jim Cox said tsunami community awareness forums will begin next month on the State’s East Coast.
“Recent events in the South Pacific have raised concerns over the possible threat to coastal communities and it is important the public better understand and be prepared should a tsunami event occur,” he said.
Mr Cox said the Australian Tsunami Warning System which included around the clock monitoring was already integrated into Tasmania’s emergency management system.
“Tasmanian authorities are well versed in the warning procedures and emergency management plans are regularly reviewed and practiced though joint exercises and training.”
Mr Cox said the forums would help further inform and educate communities about possible threats and how emergency services would respond.
The initial forums will be held in St Helens, Swansea, Triabunna and Bicheno.
“Local schools in these areas will also be visited and information will be provided to students and teachers through school awareness programs.”
Mr Cox said further awareness forums were planned for Lauderdale, Kingston, Bruny Island and on the Tasman Peninsula early next year.
More than 45,000 Tsunami Information for Recreational Boaters brochures were distributed in April to registered boat owners in Tasmania through MAST and a community Tsunami Awareness brochure is also available from local councils.
“We need to be mindful that coastal areas, particularly on the East Coast, are most at risk and communities need to be aware of warnings and emergency arrangements,” Mr Cox said.
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