NSW is embarking on a new project to test innovative technology aimed at improving the early detection of floods and bushfires. The initiative, which is part of a $3.3 million investment, focuses on developing a comprehensive system to detect and respond to natural hazards in the state.
The project will begin with a proof-of-concept phase to test various technologies designed to improve the accuracy and speed of early warnings for floods and bushfires. Key areas of testing will include:
- Flood Detection: Technologies to monitor floodwater on roads and track rainfall and soil moisture levels to predict flood risks.
- Bushfire Monitoring: Tools to identify fire ignitions in remote locations and track soil moisture and fuel loads to reduce fire hazards.
The testing will run over a six-month period, with individual grants of up to $50,000 awarded to successful applicants to support their technology trials. The goal is to assess the feasibility of these technologies and their potential to provide earlier warnings for communities facing natural disasters.
This initiative directly responds to key recommendations from the 2020 Bushfire Inquiry and the 2022 Flood Inquiry, which emphasized the need for advanced detection systems to give communities more time to prepare and respond to natural hazards.
Businesses are encouraged to apply for Phase 1 of the program, which is open until early December. Those who succeed in the first phase will have the opportunity to move to Phase 2, where the technology will be scaled and piloted in real-world conditions.
The ultimate aim of this project is to develop a robust system that can be deployed in high-risk areas of NSW, enhancing the state’s preparedness and response to future natural disasters.
For more information and to apply, visit: www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/nhds.