A mock-up of the alert some residents of Canberra and Queanbeyan will see in the coming weeks. Image: Supplied.
Devices in Canberra and Queanbeyan will buzz with a “siren-like” sound this month as the government tests a new warning system.
The new national emergency notification – called AusAlert – is replacing the current, outdated, system.
AusAlert’s website states that it uses cell-broadcast technology through active 4G and 5G mobile networks.
“Instead of sending messages one-by-one to mobile numbers like SMS emergency warning systems do, it sends a mass broadcast from a nearby mobile phone tower,” it says.
The alerts can override settings such as ‘do not disturb’ and will be received by all compatible mobile devices within 160 metres of the target location.
Ahead of the anticipated roll-out later this year, testing is being carried out.
Suburbs in Canberra and Queanbeyan have been picked for participation.
It means that Canberrans in Duffy will receive an alert to their devices next Wednesday (10 June) at 10:30 am.
A spokesperson for the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACT ESA) said the test area would cover part of the Molonglo Valley, near the new Emergency Services Station.
People in neighbouring suburbs – such as Duffy, Wright, Coombs and Holder – could receive the alert.
“If you are in the test area with a compatible mobile device, you may receive the alert,” they said.
“Devices may vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds. An AusAlert may appear on your device screen and it will clearly say it is a test. You don’t need to do anything.”
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council confirmed some residents in Queanbeyan would also participate.
“If you’re in this location or in the Queanbeyan area at the time of the test, you may receive a test alert on your mobile phone, tablet or smart watch,” the council outlined.
That test is set for 2 pm on 21 June, in the area between Yass Road, Silva Avenue and Aurora Avenue.
According to the AusAlert website, interstate tests will also occur throughout the month.
A nationwide test will follow on 27 July at 2 pm, before the system is officially launched on 1 October 2026.
AusAlert comprises two types of alerts: ‘priority’ and ‘critical’.
“If receiving a Priority Alert might disrupt you or cause you or a family member to feel unsafe, you can choose to opt out,” the AusAlert website states.
In order to not receive the ‘priority’ alert (which is being used in the June tests), people will need to change their devices’ settings.
The website outlines how to do this, with its guide tailored to Apple and Android operating systems.
But people will be unable to opt out of receiving the ‘critical’ alerts by the same method.
“The only way to not receive Critical Alerts is to turn your device off or put it in aeroplane mode during the emergency,” the AusAlert website outlines.
“We don’t recommend this, as AusAlerts contain important information and should be turned on to help keep you safe.”
You will also need to either turn the devices off or put them into aeroplane mode before the scheduled test time and then leave them off for at least one hour, as alerts could still be received during that period.
Original Article published by Claire Sams on Region Canberra.
