Joint media release with Steve Dimopoulos MP
Testing is underway in Victoria to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to detect bushfires early to keep communities safe, thanks to a $1.5 million investment from the Albanese and Allan Governments.
Funded by the Albanese Government's flagship Disaster Ready Fund, the trial is being undertaken by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Victoria's lead agency for managing bushfire risk on public land.
It will assess the reliability and timeliness of smoke-detecting AI software using 24/7 ground cameras which have been mounted on specific fire lookouts across the state and have been configured to only detect smoke.
The software and cameras will support the work of FFMVic's specially trained Fire Lookout Observers, who work across 64 fire lookouts - especially at times when lookouts aren't staffed after hours or due to health and safety concerns such as operating or climbing in the dark and extreme weather conditions.
Early detection of bushfires is critical as it provides the best opportunity to suppress bushfires before they impact communities, the environment and important assets like drinking water and energy infrastructure.
Quotes attributed to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister:
"New technology such as artificial intelligence has the potential to transform how we prepare and respond to disasters."
"The early bushfire technology deployed in this trial could help authorities detect and suppress bushfires before they impact communities."
"Our government is working with all levels of government to help build long term resilience and reduce the impacts of severe weather events when they hit.
Quotes attributed to Victorian Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos:
"By investing in cutting-edge technology like AI, we're taking an important step forward in how we manage bushfire risk across Victoria now and into the future."
"This AI trial gives us the opportunity to explore how advancements in science and technology can be utilised to stay ahead of the threat of bushfires - ensuring we're prepared with the best tools available to detect risk faster while keeping our communities and environment safer."
Quotes attributed to Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman AFSM:
"FFMVic welcomes advancements in technology that can help us detect bushfires early and keep communities safe."
Phase 1 of the trial took place during the 2023-24 fire season with cameras installed on fire lookouts at Mt Gordon, Mt Wombat, Peters Hill, and on a mobile trailer stationed in Mt Vandyke.
Phase 2 of the trial will run through the 2024-2025 fire season and cameras are proposed to be installed on fire lookouts at Big Hill in Stawell, Mt Mittamatite and Mt Ida with further expansion planned for additional sites.
Depending on results, FFMVic may extend the trials to fire lookouts on third-party infrastructure and also develop a remote detection strategy to plan future investment in the technology.
The DRF is the Australian Government's flagship resilience and risk reduction initiative which will deliver projects that support Australians to manage the physical and social impacts of disasters caused by climate change and other natural hazards.
The Australian Government is providing up to one billion dollars through the DRF. The funding runs over five years from 1 July 2023.
The DRF aims to help communities protect themselves against the impacts of disasters.
For more information, including a full list of projects, visit the National Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Ready Fund page.
