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Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds has announced a joint operation between Australia and the Republic of Vanuatu to repair and upgrade the country’s national government emergency radio network.
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The joint initiative, which is set to be delivered over the next three years as part of the Vanuatu-Australia Defence Cooperation Program, aims to “significantly increase” Vanuatu’s disaster preparedness and response capability, while also supporting an enhanced Vanuatu Police Force presence across the archipelago.
Specifically, the project is expected to establish a unified emergency call and dispatch system to connect police outposts to support local communities.
Delivery of the infrastructure and training is to be prioritised in Port Vila, Luganville, Aneityum, Sola, Loh, Ambae and Epi, before expanding to a total of 15 police outposts over the next three years, including mobile two-way radio in five locations.
Minister Reynolds said Tropical Cyclone Harold and the COVID-19 pandemic have reinforced the need for a communications upgrade.
“Australia is proud to partner with the Vanuatu Police Force to design and deliver an enduring solution that meets Vanuatu’s needs,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The project provides an invaluable avenue for enhanced collaboration, training and interoperability between our nations – including during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.”
Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs, Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau, said the project would support policing, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as search and rescue functions.
“The project supports Vanuatu’s National Security Strategy and decentralisation efforts, connecting communities, and delivering security services to rural areas,” Minister Kalsakau said.
“It also supports our border security efforts, particularly important in the current COVID-19 environment.
“We know that good communication in the minutes and hours following a disaster is critical to an effective and speedy response.”
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded, “This is yet another example of how Vanuatu and Australia can work together as security partners to deliver practical benefits for both nations.”
[Related: RAN helps deliver Vanuatu police boat]
