THE officer who will coordinate the state’s firefighters if a terror attack occurs in NSW is currently based in Batemans Bay, but says everything is business as usual.
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Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Brian Smart coordinates preparations for terrorist incidents, but is also in temporary command of the southern zone, while another officer is on leave.
Despite the Australian Government’s decision to upgrade the terror alert from medium to high, Mr Smart said residents should continue their lives normally.
Intelligence assessors this week upgraded the terrorist threat from “possible” to “likely” and all emergency services, such as firefighters and police, have to be prepared.
However, Mr Smart said his team’s first priority was to protect the public from fire and other emergencies.
“We will meet this challenge without compromising our commitment to public safety,” he said.
“It is just an extension of our current role.
“Terrorists have been known to train in rural areas, so we have to be vigilant.
“However, everyone should continue what they are doing, and be alert, not alarmed.”
Mr Smart said that some areas, such as the Eurobodalla, were less likely to see a terrorist attack, but it was more efficient for services to have a statewide policy.
Batemans Bay station commander Phil Eberle said it was better to be ready, just in case.
“It doesn’t mean it will happen here, but we have to be prepared,” Mr Eberle said.
“We will be increasing our training with hazardous materials and communications with other emergency services and reviewing our standard operational guidelines to adjust for a possible terrorist threat.”
Mr Eberle said the truck would be parked inside the station more often, but the station itself was still open.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has also responded to the alert upgrade.
“We know there will be a lot of questions, a lot of concern, and our commitment is to keep the community up to date with what we are doing, and importantly, what they can do,” Mr Scipione said.
“We want people to go about their daily routines as always, but remain mindful they might see increased police presence or security officers on or around public transport, or places where large numbers of people gather.”
A Far South Coast police spokesman said the upgrade was not a reason for alarm or panic, but for on-going vigilance and awareness.
Meanwhile, Mr Smart has fallen for the Eurobodalla.
“I love the lifestyle and being near the coast,” he said.
He did not rule out being tempted back if anyone else goes on leave.
