The NSW Government has announced it will invest $5.2 million towards a Bushfire and Natural Hazards Technology Network to help with flood and fire preparation.

NSW Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Alister Henskens says the initiative will help developers of emerging technologies build connections with researchers and emergency services to help guide safeguards against natural hazard threats.

“NSW is already a world leader in bushfire technology and this new network of experts will build on that strong foundation to ensure we continue to develop cutting edge solutions that have the potential to save lives,” Mr Henskens said

The network forms part of the state government’s $28 million Bushfire Response Research and Development Mission. It follows the government’s recent announcement of its Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre.

“Undertaking research and developing new technology will pay dividends for the State’s emergency services who will be better able to respond to the natural disasters we will inevitably face into the future, keeping our local communities safer and stronger,” Emergency Services and Resilience Minister Steph Cooke said.