THE Federal Government has confirmed emergency text-messages will be sent to mobile phones in danger areas from next month.
The world-first technology will be rolled out by Telstra, the Herald Sun reports
But Optus and Vodafone customers will have to wait until next summer.
In the past, mobile phones have only received warnings if they were registered to an address in the area.
The upgrade of the emergency-alert system, funded by $60 million from the Federal Government, will allow "location-based" warnings.
Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said the location-based alert would be in addition to warnings that include voice messages on landlines and text messages to registered phones.
"Getting emergency warnings out effectively in a disaster is absolutely critical," Ms Roxon said. "This update will ensure emergency alerts get to the right people at the right time in the right place."
As in previous years, a fleet of six American aircranes to battle fires are being brought to Australia. Elvis and Gypsy Lady will arrive next month and be based in Victoria.
Ms Roxon and Deputy Premier Peter Ryan will also today announce $6 million in government grants for 48 projects to help communities prepare for natural disasters.
Canberra will put in $4.2 million and Victoria $2.1 million.
Read more on the Herald Sun
