The New South Wales Government has launched a $3.3 million pilot to test seven advanced technologies designed to detect floods and bushfires earlier and improve community safety. The Natural Hazards Detection System (NHDS) Program is trialling real-time sensors, satellite data and artificial intelligence across the Shoalhaven and Clarence Valley local government areas. The initiative responds to lessons from recent disasters and aims to provide emergency agencies with more timely, reliable information to support warnings and response.
Announced in a ministerial release published on the NSW Government website, the pilot is part of a broader commitment to strengthen disaster preparedness as climate-related risks increase. It is intended to complement existing warning systems by testing whether emerging technologies can deliver accurate, cost-effective insights in real-world conditions.
Testing early warning technologies in regional NSW
The NHDS Program brings together seven technologies developed by Australian companies, each targeting different aspects of flood and fire detection. Collectively, they focus on earlier identification of hazards, improved situational awareness and faster decision-making for emergency managers.
The technologies being piloted include systems that monitor river levels and road crossings in real time, visual analytics that compare water levels against safety thresholds, and low-cost sensors that can be rapidly deployed in bushfire-prone or hard-to-access areas. Several solutions also integrate satellite data and AI models to estimate flood volumes and predict changing conditions.
From community data to operational intelligence
One element of the pilot focuses on improving how information from the public is used during emergencies. Enhancements to the Hazards Near Me app will allow users to securely submit photos of hazards, which are then assessed and converted into validated intelligence for agencies. This approach reflects a growing emphasis on combining community input with sensor data to build a clearer operational picture.
Similar uses of real-time sensing and data integration are already being explored in other parts of government, including efforts to improve safety outcomes through real-time sensor deployments and to strengthen operational technology resilience in critical systems.
Responding to inquiry recommendations
The NHDS Program directly responds to recommendations from the 2020 Bushfire Inquiry and the 2022 Flood Inquiry, both of which highlighted the need for better use of technology in early detection and warning. The program is being led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and administered by the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer.
By piloting technologies in regional environments, the government aims to understand how they perform in varied terrain and connectivity conditions before considering wider deployment. The trials also provide an opportunity for smaller technology firms to work closely with emergency management agencies and refine their solutions.
“We promised the people of NSW a world-leading warning system, and today we are delivering. As climate change makes disasters more frequent, we aren’t just rebuilding – we are outsmarting the next emergency.” — Janelle Saffin, Minister for Recovery, NSW Government
“This Program shows how supporting technology pilots can actively drive innovation, helping local companies develop world‑class solutions for NSW and support our broader vision for innovation-led procurement.” — Anoulack Chanthivong, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, NSW Government
Building capability for future emergencies
Officials say the pilot is as much about building long-term capability as it is about immediate risk reduction. By testing AI-enabled sensors, satellite-linked systems and rapid deployment tools, the program contributes to a broader ecosystem of digital capability, aligned with national efforts to build advanced technical skills and infrastructure.
As governments continue to explore how emerging technologies can support public safety, initiatives such as the NHDS Program illustrate how targeted trials can inform policy, procurement and operational practice ahead of more frequent and severe natural hazards.
