Upcoming Port Lincoln AusAlert test

Wednesday 17 June 2026

The Australian Government will be launching AusAlert, a new national emergency warning system, in October 2026.

Before AusAlert is ready to use, it will be tested to make sure it works as intended.

South Australia’s local community-based test will be held in the Port Lincoln area at 11am on Saturday, 20 June 2026.

A national test is planned for 1.30pm (local time) on Monday, 27 July 2026.

About AusAlert

AusAlert is another way the Australian Government is helping to keep Australians safe.

AusAlert uses the latest cell-broadcast technology to send near-instant emergency messages to compatible mobile devices. This is considered international best practice.

Cell-broadcast technology sends a mass broadcast from a nearby mobile phone tower. It does not send messages one-by-one to mobile numbers like SMS systems.

AusAlert could be used during:

• natural hazards such as bushfires, floods and storms
• significant events such as public health emergencies, security threats or biosecurity incidents.

Port Lincoln community-based test - ‘Priority Alert’

Compatible devices in the Port Lincoln area may receive a Priority Alert.

The alert may cause mobile devices to vibrate and play a loud siren-like warning sound for around 10 seconds.

As this is just a test, no action is required.

If receiving the alert may cause stress or harm, and you do not want to receive it, you can:

• opt out of receiving Priority Alerts in your device notification settings
• turn your device off or switch to flight mode before the alert time and for at least one hour after.

National test – ‘Critical Alert’

During the national test, compatible mobile devices across Australia may receive a Critical Alert.

The Critical Alert will cause the vibration and siren-like warning sound even if your device:

• is set to ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’
• does not have a working SIM card.

You cannot opt out of receiving Critical Alerts.

If  receiving the Critical Alert may cause stress or harm, and you do not want to receive it, you will need to turn your device off or switch to flight mode before the alert time and for at least one hour after.

For road users

If you receive the test alert while driving or riding, stay calm and do not touch your phone. Mobile phone laws still apply – do not read the alert while moving. Only check when it is safe and legal to do so.

To learn more about AusAlert, see an example alert and hear the alert sound, visit ausalert.gov.au

Information about AusAlert is also available in some other languages. Read translated materials.