Submission to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements

Community radio stations play a critical role in communities, particularly regional communities, both during natural disasters and in the recovery.

The devastating bushfires that impacted vast regions of Australia towards the end of 2019 and into 2020 saw over 80 community radio stations broadcasting in fire affected areas or to fire affected communities. These stations are closely linked to their local areas and communities, drawing their announcing, producing and support volunteers and staff directly from the towns and locales where they broadcast. 

In April 2020, the CBAA made a submission to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. The submission highlights:

• the role played by community broadcasters during the 2019-20 bushfire emergencies and other natural disasters;
• the challenges stations faced both during and in the aftermath of these natural disasters;
• the Victorian emergency broadcasting model and how it could be adapted as part of a national approach; and
• the need for involvement and integration of the community radio sector in the Government’s recovery programs and natural disaster planning.

Read the full submission.