A new, state-of-the-art telephone messaging system - that allows emergency services to send early warnings of an emergency or terrorist threat - will be implemented, said Country MP Peter Black.

"This hi-tech safety system will let local ermegency services to send SMS alerts (or text messages to all mobile phones in a target zone, regardless of network numbers," he said.

"The alert service can be used to warn peoole not only of an emergency or terror threat, it can provide evaculation information, bushfire advice, or alternative routes to avoid emergencies.

Such a system could be extremely helpful in ensuring the safety of people in fire and bushfire situations, where evacuation is required.

During a grain silo fire in Cootamundra in January, fire fighters had to evacuate more than 1,500 people in and around the area.

"This new technology would have come in handy, particulary during incidents such as these where time was critical to the safety of residents. On top of fighting the fire, Rural Fire Service volunteers had to physically go door to door, knocking on hundreds of homes to alert peole to the emregency," said Mr Black.

Mr Black said the SM S alert system would be another communication tool that would complement current practices. "Door knocking would still need to take place for the elderly or infirm or those who do not have a phone or where not their their phone at the time," he said.