A company developing novel technology to monitor and forecast potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms in NSW waterways is among 10 NSW companies to receive funding support through the $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program (NHTP).
CyanoLakes' innovative state-wide blue-green algae bloom forecasting system uses satellite remote sensing technology and machine learning to provide early warnings for algal blooms in lakes and large river systems. The technology will enable water quality to be monitored 10 times more frequently in remote areas, improving advanced warning times, and allowing agencies to better manage the serious threat posed to humans and animals.
The NHTP is supporting 10 NSW businesses to field-test their innovative technologies to address challenges faced by nine NSW Government agencies in preparing for and responding to natural hazards.
These agencies include Fire and Rescue NSW, Forestry Corporation of NSW, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, the Department of Customer Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, and WaterNSW.
The program fosters a diverse range of technological advancements. These include:
- an AI-powered multilingual emergency warning system to ensure effective communication with culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- real-time data analysis and modelling of driver behaviour during natural hazards like floods and fires, enhancing public safety and streamlining evacuations
- drone-based recognition and assessment of hazardous trees following a fire operation.
Further information on the 10 businesses can be viewed at the NHTP webpage.
Minister for Innovation, Science & Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"This funding demonstrates the NSW's Government commitment to innovation and technology to help improve our response and preparedness to natural hazards.
The $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program actively supports innovative NSW businesses to refine and improve their technologies for market, while helping solve many of the challenges faced by NSW agencies in the management of natural hazards."
"Supporting innovative NSW businesses to field-test their technologies with NSW Government agencies allows them to bring their innovations one step closer to commercialisation and build relationships to increase opportunities for future collaborations.
"The Program also improves NSW Government agency awareness of innovation possibilities in natural hazards management and operations through exposure to new homegrown technology."
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:
"Technology can play an important role in how we model, predict and respond to naturals hazards and emergencies, and this program helps us find solutions that work for our emergency service agencies and, ultimately, the communities of NSW.
"This program supports local innovation by providing an opportunity for NSW businesses to test and showcase their technology, building on the work already being undertaken across emergency services agencies.
"These businesses are taking creative and innovative approaches to the complex challenges presented by natural hazards, whether that is making warning systems more accessible or helping predict floodwaters."
Cyanolakes CEO, Dr Mark Matthews said:
"The Natural Hazards Technology Program grant gives us a unique opportunity to field-test our technology with WaterNSW to refine the product and ensure it provides accurate information. It helps us better understand their needs and build relationships, which will hopefully lead to further market opportunities in the state and beyond.
"Ultimately, it's about keeping communities in NSW safe by taking full advantage of the rapid advances in the satellite imagery industry."
