Keeping Our Mountain Connected, Informed & Safe
What Is the Service?
This community SMS platform is a locally run initiative created to fix the communication gaps we’ve all
experienced during storms, floods, and power outages on Tamborine Mountain. It provides reliable,
human-written updates during emergencies — and useful local information the rest of the year.
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Who’s Behind It: The service is operated by a small, independent
Tamborine Mountain team — not a government body. It was built by locals who wanted a simple, fast,
and trustworthy way to share accurate information when it matters most.
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How it Works: Subscribers receive short SMS updates through a
secure Australian gateway.
During emergencies, messages include storm alerts, power outages, road closures, fire bans, food and
fuel access, and directions to community hubs when activated.
Outside of emergencies, the service also supports day-to-day community life — sharing local events,
sports notices, special offers, rental listings, home sales, and job opportunities. It keeps the
Mountain connected, not just during a crisis but throughout the year.
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Where the Info Comes From: During Major Weather Events
Information is drawn from trusted, verifiable sources — including BOM, Energex, SES, Scenic Rim
Regional Council, and on-the-ground local reports.
We also monitor critical business operations such as supermarket availability, fuel access, café
openings, pharmacy hours, and other essential services that influence community safety during severe
conditions.
During major events, updates are intentionally limited to one concise SMS per day to reduce noise
and preserve battery life.
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Community Information (Everyday Updates): Outside of emergencies,
community updates come directly from local businesses, clubs, event organisers, and community
groups.
This includes events happening on the Mountain, special offers, local sport updates, rental
listings, home sales, and job opportunities.
All submissions are reviewed for clarity and accuracy before being published, ensuring the platform
remains useful, relevant, and trustworthy year-round.
Infrastructure & Resources
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Messages are delivered through a secure Australian SMS gateway.
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Subscriber information is private and never shared.
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The system uses cloud-based redundancy and tested fail-safes for reliability.
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The service currently operates on a not-for-profit basis with minimal overheads and local volunteer support.
Our Goals for the Future
We’re committed to strengthening community resilience and communication. Planned improvements include:
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Expanding our network of trusted local reporters — residents, businesses, and community groups.
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Adding multi-channel alerts via email and web notifications for added redundancy.
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Increasing preparedness updates such as pre-storm reminders and roadworks notices.
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Exploring community-based funding options to keep the service independent and sustainable.