Tasmania Police has acquired new equipment to enhance operational response to a bushfire emergency.

The 2013 Tasmanian Bushfires Inquiry made recommendations about communication and traffic management.

“The new equipment, purchased with funds allocated after the Inquiry, assists in addressing those priority issues,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

Tasmania Police has purchased and distributed 54 Tasmania Fire Service radios, charging units and spare batteries to improve cross-service communications. The radios have been allocated to frontline officers at small regional stations, with further radios distributed to other stations as required.

“On the ground communications were highlighted as an issue during the January bushfires. The new radios allow police and fire officers on the frontline to improve coordination and interoperability,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

The new radios have been distributed to all one and two person stations and a number of higher-risk larger stations.

“Another initiative in response to the Inquiry is the $80,000 purchase of electronic variable message signs, and metal signs, to assist with traffic management during emergencies,” said Mr Hine.

“Finding flexibility between public safety and access to areas impacted by an emergency is important; and part of that is keeping the community informed,” said Mr Hine.

Three variable message boards have been purchased, and one will be based in each geographical region. Ninety portable metal signs in red, amber and green will reflect the level of vehicle access; for emergency vehicles only, essential services vehicles, or residents. Each district has been allocated 30 signs covering the three levels of traffic access. These signs have already been used during the response to recent bushfires in the south of the State.

Other initiatives from bushfire funding included $240,000 to upgrade the State Crisis Centre and Regional Operation Centres.

“The safety of our members is paramount and so in addition to the funding allocated after the inquiry, we have reallocated funds from our budget to purchase personal issue Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for all police officers,” said Mr Hine.

All officers will be allocated a backpack containing personal protection equipment. Currently 784 backpacks have been distributed with a further 145 being rolled out to support commands and remaining frontline officers very shortly.

The PPE kits contain personal issue safety equipment including helmets, glasses, goggles, gloves, facemasks and electrolytes. All items in the kit meet Australian/New Zealand standards.

Three new purpose built trailers to store and efficiently transport additional stocks of PPE to affected areas have also been sourced. These trailers can also transport the new portable traffic management signs purchased as a recommended priority from the bushfire inquiry.