Current Projects
The following projects are funded by the Australian Government and address current areas of need within the emergency management arena.
Urban Search and Rescue
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is a specialist resource that assists victims who have been trapped or affected by structural collapses. In 2005 the USAR Capability Development project was endorsed and equipment was purchased by EMA and delivered to the States and Territories as part of the project.
Australian Tsunami Warning System
This project provides funds to upgrade the Australian Tsunami Alert System (ATAS) to an operational, early warning system - the Australian Tsunami Warning System (ATWS). The ATWS project is jointly managed by Geoscience Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology and Attorney-General's Department, as represented by EMA. Our mandate is to build capacity and raise community awareness within relevant industry, education, volunteer and community sectors through education programs, activities and training.
Emergency Warnings Community Access
The National Forum on Emergency Warnings to the Community (NFEWC) is a three-year project, established in 2006, to provide a platform for the Australian Governments to come together with national peak body and advocacy groups to consider issues impacting on the dissemination of emergency warnings to the community.
Chemical, Biological, Radioactive Research and Development
This project aims to improve Australia’s chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) capabilities through directed research and development. The funding program began in 2006 and concludes in June 2010. The program focuses on, but is not limited to, enhancing the CBR capabilities of First Responders.