'Almost like an accident waiting to happen': 000 number out on Norfolk Island
Photo:
Norfolk Government
Locals on Norfolk Island remain concerned that their emergency number - 000 - is still down after two weeks.
The president of the tourism association of Norfolk Island, Rael Donde said the island gets about 500 visitors each week and many won't know to call the alternative emergency number if they need help.
"It's almost like an accident waiting to happen," Donde said.
As an interim arrangement, police, fire and hospital have individual landline numbers to call.
Text messages are being sent out daily and the alternative numbers are being played on the radio.
Acting general manager of Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC), Philip Reid said the island had been experiencing problems with the number since early May.
"NIRC is still to establish a date by which triple zero calling will be fully operational," he said.
"Issues are being experienced with the dial-tone multifrequency function and connectivity to emergency services from triple-zero callers."
He said the alternative numbers are shared to visitors on arrival at Norfolk Island Airport and at their accommodation. It's also available on the regional council's website and Facebook page.
The alternative numbers are free of charge to call.
A text on Norfolk Island with the alternative emergency numbers.
Photo:
Supplied
Donde said it's a major risk.
"Somebody passing by in a vehicle wouldn't immediately be able to recall the individual numbers that needs to be called," he said.
"We just hope it can be fixed as soon as possible."
Norfolk Island is a non-self-governing territory of Australia.
Brett Sanderson said the number being out is a symptom of the island
losing the right to self-govern in 2015
.
He is part of the group, Norfolk Island People For Democracy, which is fighting to reverse the 2015 decision.
In November last year, the Australian Government announced it had decided on a "
new bespoke local governance model for Norfolk Island
" to come into effect by the end of 2025, "with the Norfolk Island Regional Council to continue providing services until the Assembly is established".
It said the new model was informed by the recommendations of the Norfolk Island Governance Committee and followed extensive community consultation.
"The Norfolk Island Assembly will operate on four-year terms and comprise five elected members, including a full-time presiding officer.
"It will be empowered to make local laws that support local service delivery.
"The Queensland Government will continue to deliver health support services, education, apprenticeships, traineeships, and correctional services."
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