The NSW government will test new technology to improve early warnings of floods and bushfires. 

Tech businesses are encouraged to submit proposals until December 12, and grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to support six months of testing to show feasibility and benefits.

The next stage of the program will involve scaling up and piloting technologies in real-world settings.

NSW will examine tools for early identification of floodwater on roads, monitoring rainfall data to predict floods, identifying fire ignition in remote locations, and monitoring soil moisture and fuel loads to support fire hazard reduction.

State Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib says better detection systems will help protect communities in high-risk areas. “We are helping to develop new detection technologies and testing them in unique Australian conditions.”

Applications can be made here.