Thanks to an anonymous benefactor, Central Otago will be better equipped in a large-scale emergency.
A member of the public was so impressed with a presentation given at a community civil defence meeting in February last year that he wanted to give some money to help develop emergency management capabilities in the district, Central Otago District Council emergency management officer Hamish Keith told councillors yesterday.
Almost $65,000 was given to the council in November and Mr Keith has been searching for the best use. After discussions with emergency management professionals Mr Keith recommended an upgrade of communication systems, including buying a satellite terminal, which will complete the district's satellite network, and installing a digital radio network with GPS.
He told the council community isolation was ''one of the greatest risks for Central Otago in a major emergency. Therefore, reliable and robust communications is vital''.
Better communication systems would benefit several agencies, including the council, emergency services and the rural fire service, as well as smaller communities away from towns that had access to the council's satellite network.
It would also allow communication, including internet access, if all other systems failed. However, the satellite system would not work if there was heavy cloud cover.
The satellite unit is expected to cost about $8000 and the radio network $51,000, and to have a life expectancy of more than 10 years.
Although councillors accepted Mr Keith's recommendations, they were wary of potential for hidden costs, such as resource consents or land access negotiations to allow radio network infrastructure to be installed.
Mayor Tony Lepper said it was ''just excellent'' to know there were people like the anonymous donor.
