NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz
Clutha Civil Defence’s mobile Incident Control Centre (ICC) is in optimal condition to help local emergency services safeguard the district following a $15,000 upgrade.
The Clutha District Emergency Services Trust two›room portacom serves as an on›site command and control hub for the big three services — fire, police, and ambulance — as well as Land Search & Rescue, Red Cross and others.
‘‘It was mainly a communications technology upgrade,’’ Emergency Management Otago adviser Brendon Smith said.
‘‘We’re up›to›date with comprehensive radio networks accessing all relevant frequencies and data links, plus monitors, whiteboards and a generator.’’
First built in 2008, the ICC is stored at the Finegand industrial site and is regularly towed out for public events, crime scenes and missing person searches, and has been utilised by Clutha Health First for pandemic testing and vaccination initiatives.
‘‘It first came about so we don’t have to manage events and emergencies from the cabs and bonnets of cars. ‘‘We’re really grateful to the CDC, Balclutha Motors, licensing trust, Community Foundation Limited and Finegand for their support in keeping this asset at the cutting edge,’’ Mr Smith said.
