A routine test of the Melbourne CBD public address system will be held tomorrow, Monday 7 June.
The CBD public address system is one option available to Victoria Police to alert the community about important safety information in an event of an emergency or critical incident.
The test emergency warning system will be played at all of the 110 speaker locations across the CBD from about 8.00am until approximately 6.00pm tomorrow.
The testing will be conducted in several zones across the CBD one at a time, including:
• Bourke Street Mall
• Parliament House
• Queen Victoria Market
• Flinders Street
• Southbank
• Birrarung Marr
• Docklands
• Melbourne Park sporting precinct
The message transmitted will include a warning signal which clearly notifies the public that it is a test only and will run for approximately five minutes.
There is expected to be a highly visible police presence near these locations tomorrow as part of the planned test.
Victoria Police will post notifications via social media this afternoon and on Monday morning to ensure as many people as possible are aware the test is happening.
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Divisional Commander, Acting Superintendent Kelvin Gale
"We are testing the system to ensure it is running as it should so that if a major incident occurs police can quickly alert the community of any imminent risks and ensure their safety."
"For those in and around the Melbourne CBD on Monday, there is no cause for panic if you hear the test or notice an enhanced police presence."
"The routine testing forms part of our ongoing assessment of our preparedness to respond to a range of situations, and the public address system is one option available to us in these situations."
"The community can be assured that Victoria Police has well-tested and cooperative emergency management plans that allow us to provide an agile response to any incidents that occur."
