Barwon Coast has installed 60 new emergency markers along the coastal reserve from Collendina to Breamlea.
The markers are part of the Triple Zero Victoria emergency marker system, designed to pinpoint exact locations during emergencies in open spaces.
Emergency markers are green signs with white text, displaying a unique six-character alphanumeric code. This code is linked to Triple Zero’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, providing vital information such as: precise location; GPS coordinates; road access routes; and other crucial navigational data.
When a person in distress quotes this code to a Triple Zero operator, it enables swift and accurate dispatch of emergency services to the exact location.
The installation of the emergency markers is being carried out in stages.
Stage 1, which has just been completed, includes 60 markers primarily located at beach access points while Stage 2 is currently being assessed and will focus on oceanfront locations.
Barwon Coast aims to complete Stage 2 by early next year.
Determining caller location is the most critical piece of information used by emergency (Triple Zero/000) call takers to dispatch emergency personnel and resources.
Barwon Coast said while the familiar yellow beach location signs (eg 36W) have served the community well, they are not integrated with the Triple Zero CAD system. This limitation can lead to delays in emergency response times.
The new emergency markers address this issue, offering a standardised system that is immediately recognised and actioned by Triple Zero operators.
For more information or to view the locations of the new emergency markers, please visit emergencymarkers.com.au/emergency-markers-map
