New SMS notification system for Harvest Vehicle Movement Bans

Can a Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB) impact your business activities during the high threat bushfire season?

This bushfire season, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River will be utilising a new SMS notification system to advise community members when a Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB) is being issued.  

Shire Community Emergency Services Manager Adam Jasper said text messages will be sent to residents and businesses who have registered, alongside the Shire’s formal notifications to necessary authorities.

“The new system will not replace the existing communication methods, including the Shire’s new website and Facebook page. HVMBs are also advertised on ABC South West radio at regular intervals throughout the day,” he said. 

“A HVMB restricts the use of engines, vehicles, plant or machinery during certain times of the day and is put in place when our local Chief Bush Fire Control Officer identifies these activities as high risk.”

HVMBs are different to Total Fire Bans (TFB), which are issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Community members should not solely rely on this service for information related to bushfire events in their area and are encouraged to monitor emergency updates on ABC South West radio, emergency.wa.gov.au and via the DFES information line on 13 33 37.

All information will be kept private and for use by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River only for the purposes stated above. In the event of an emergency, the Shire may use this service for urgent notifications. There is no charge for this service.

To register for SMS notifications, please email [email protected] and include the following details: 

• Subject line – SMS notifications
• Email body – first name, surname and mobile phone number (to receive notifications)