WA installs emergency phone in national park

A satellite telephone has been installed at the popular Loop visitor site in Kalbarri National Park in Western Australia to improve response times for medical emergencies in the Murchison Gorge area.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the telephone connected to the 000 emergency service and was designed to be used in life-threatening situations. Kalbarri National Park receives about 330,000 visits per year.

“There is no mobile phone coverage in Kalbarri National Park so this satellite telephone will greatly improve emergency response capabilities,” Jacob said.

In recent years, emergency crews have attended incidents in the local area ranging from broken ankles to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

“Detailed information and graphics are provided at The Loop warning tourists of the risks of heat stroke and precautions to avoid it. The new phone will be invaluable in cases where emergency assistance is required.”

The Minister said the installation of the satellite telephone followed a meeting he attended last year with local stakeholders.

“After hearing their concerns about communications in Kalbarri National Park, I asked the Department of Parks and Wildlife to investigate the satellite phone option,” he said.

“Local emergency services groups and other key stakeholders are advocating the need for mobile phone coverage throughout the Murchison Gorge area and this is also a key recommendation in the management plan being finalised for Kalbarri National Park.

“Until mobile phone coverage is made possible, the satellite telephone is available when visitors at The Loop require urgent assistance. Park rangers and emergency services personnel can also make calls to the telephone to gain more information during an incident.”

The telephone hardware was designed and constructed by Parks and Wildlife’s radio communications staff to withstand extreme weather conditions.