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Key Project Dates

Late November 2023

Notification of upcoming change 100%

August 2024

First phase of markers installed 100%

Feb 2025

Remainder of markers installed 100%

 

Emergency Markers at Barwon Coast

Published on 23 November 2023

Enhancing Safety Along The Coastline

We’ve taken a significant step forward in public safety with the installation of 60 new emergency markers along the coastal reserve from Collendina to Breamlea. These markers are part of the Triple Zero Victoria emergency marker system, designed to pinpoint exact locations during emergencies in open spaces.

What are Emergency Markers?

Emergency markers are green signs with white text, displaying a unique six-character alphanumeric code. This code is linked to Triple Zero’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, providing vital information such as:

  • Precise location
  • GPS coordinates
  • Road access routes
  • Other crucial navigational data

When a person in distress quotes this code to a Triple Zero operator, it enables swift and accurate dispatch of emergency services to the exact location.

Why the Change?

Determining caller location is the most critical piece of information used by emergency (Triple Zero/000) call takers to dispatch emergency personnel and resources. While the familiar yellow beach location signs (e.g., 36W) have served the community well, they are not integrated with the Triple Zero CAD system. This limitation can lead to delays in emergency response times.

The new emergency markers address this issue, offering a standardised system that is immediately recognised and actioned by Triple Zero operators.

What this Means for Beach Users

For those enjoying Barwon Coast’s beaches and trails:

1. Look out for the new green emergency marker signs.

2. In an emergency, dial 000.

3. Quote the unique code on the nearest green emergency marker to the operator.

4. If no green marker is visible, describe your location as clearly as possible.

**Important:** The rule of thumb for beach users in case of emergency is if there is a green emergency marker sign with an alphanumeric code, that is what should be provided to 000 operators, rather than the previous yellow beach location sign numbers.

A Phased Implementation

The installation of these emergency markers is being carried out in stages:

  • Stage 1, which has just been completed, includes 60 markers primarily located at beach access points. THIS STAGE IS NOW COMPLETE.
  • Stage 2 is currently underway. To read more about Stage 2, please click below.


Stage 2 further information

A Collaborative Effort

This initiative is the result of collaboration between Barwon Coast, Triple Zero Victoria, and local emergency services. It represents our ongoing commitment to enhancing safety measures for our community and visitors.

While Barwon Coast understands and respects the history and community connection to the yellow beach location signs, safety is of paramount importance, and the new emergency markers will save our emergency responders time in locating those in need.

Find Emergency Markers

For more information or to view the locations of the new emergency markers, please visit: the Emergency Markers website:

Emergency Markers Website

Remember, in an emergency, every second counts. These new markers are here to help emergency services reach you as quickly as possible when you need them most.

 

Emergency Markers Graphic explaining the change