Game-changing track-and-trace technology will revolutionise bushfire fighting in South Australia this summer with the rollout of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) equipment, enhancing fireground safety and intelligence during emergencies.

Ahead of the upcoming bushfire season Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia has revealed Netstar Australia as the tender winner for AVL.

Minister Tarzia said AVL was a crucial tool that provides real-time truck and vehicle tracking, ensuring firefighters and assets can be accounted for at any and every second during bushfires.

“The implementation of AVL into the emergency services sector has been recommended – and ignored – since 2012, but is now finally progressing with $13.5m backing from the Marshall Liberal Government after in-depth trials across South Australia with a heavy focus on remote locations,” he said.

“This is a significant step forward in terms of safety for our emergency services volunteers and personnel.

“Over the coming months, AVL will be installed in more than 1400 vehicles … for operations across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

“Importantly, the implementation of AVL also delivers on the Keelty Review recommendations and supplements the Marshall Government’s $97.5m action plan to create a more bushfire resilient state.”

Bushfire-hit locations at Lucindale and Cherry Gardens also featured in the field trials to gather data from partially active firegrounds.