A new pilot program is testing advanced technologies to improve early warnings for natural disasters across NSW.
The $3.3 million Natural Hazards Detection System Program is trialling seven new warning technologies. The program aims to help emergency services detect floods, bushfires and other hazards earlier.
The trial is taking place in the Shoalhaven and Clarence Valley areas. It will test how new sensors, artificial intelligence and satellite technology can support existing emergency warning systems.
The seven technologies being tested include:
- Vortex Micro Station: A monitoring system that provides real-time information about water levels, speed and temperature. It also uses images to help track flash floods.
- FloodCAM: An artificial intelligence system that monitors water levels and can activate warning signs, lights or speakers when risks increase.
- Citizen Intelligence Workflow: A system that allows people to send hazard photos through an app. The information can then be checked and shared with emergency agencies.
- Spectra Water Level Sensors: Strong radar sensors designed for regional areas. They use long-lasting batteries and multiple communication methods to provide reliable data.
- Virtual River Gauge Project: An artificial intelligence system that combines satellite information, rainfall data and camera images to predict river levels and flood risks.
- FloodMate: A sensor network that monitors flood-prone roads and provides information about water over roads to support safer road closures.
- Samara: Small sensors that can be placed in difficult-to-reach areas to detect bushfires and monitor conditions such as temperature, humidity and fuel moisture.
The program follows recommendations from previous bushfire and flood reviews that called for greater use of technology to improve disaster detection.
The trial is led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and managed by the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer.
The program provides a way for technology companies to test their solutions and show how they can support emergency services. It also helps develop more effective and affordable tools for disaster response.
The new systems aim to provide earlier warnings and give communities and emergency workers more time to prepare and respond during natural disasters.