The New South Wales government has announced funding for an innovative bushfire technology-focused research and development program.
High-tech sensors that can predict and detect fires and clean energy solutions for bushfire-affected communities are among the five proposals being piloted under the $6 million Bushfire Technology Pilots Program, the NSW government said in a statement.
Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology Alister Henskens said the grant program will support trials of field-ready bushfire technology developed by local businesses in the state.
“NSW is a world leader in bush fire technology and this NSW Government investment is unlocking opportunities for homegrown innovators to test their potentially life-saving research,” Henskens said.
“We’re investing in these innovative technologies so that NSW can remain at the cutting edge of bush fire technology, and save lives by enhancing bush fire preparedness and response.”
Steph Cooke, minister for emergency services and resilience and flood recovery, said the grants offered through the Bush Fire Technology Pilots Program cover multiple components of a bush fire response, including providing power to remote sites, real-time monitoring of fire conditions, and data sharing.
“The investment being announced today will put innovative technologies to the test so that one day they can be used by our emergency services in NSW, as well as organisations across Australia and the world, to save lives and improve the way we respond to disasters,” Cooke said.
Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW chief scientist and engineer, said the projects funded through government grants reflect NSW’s position as a global leader in bush fire technology.
“These projects will be collaborative, with grant recipients working closely with lead NSW fire response organisations, including the Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue, NSW Telco Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Planning and Environment,” Durrant-Whyte said.
The program is the first initiative launched under the Bushfire Response R&D Mission, a recommendation of the NSW R&D Action Plan.
