Peregian inferno sparks $1.89 million investment in hi-tech firefighting
A hi-tech laboratory will be built in stages throughout the Noosa region incorporating trials of a robotics range of autonomous and remote-controlled hardware.
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A "living" bushland laboratory that will be the testing ground for cutting-edge technologies is at the heart of a $1.89 million federal and state investment to help fireproof Noosa.
The FireTech Laboratory will be built in stages throughout the Noosa region incorporating trials of a robotics range of autonomous and remote-controlled hardware.
FireTech is the brainchild of the Noosa Council's Peregian Digital Hub and was inspired by director Chris Boden's close call during the 2019 Peregian bushfire at the smart technology business incubator.
Heroic groms praised for preventing second Peregian tragedy
Quiet rethink: Noosaville backpackers redesign to cut noise
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud and Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien on Thursday were briefed by Mr Boden on the latest innovations which includes trialling solutions for the early detection of bushfires.
"These sensor and vision networks will be put in place during the coming weeks, and should be fully rolled out within the next three months," Mr O'Brien said.
"The Firetech Laboratory is a significant project that will help prove the viability of new technologies in purpose-built facilities that simulate real-world bushfire environments.
"Noosa is becoming known as a centre of excellence for bushfire-fighting technologies, with remarkable work being carried out by companies like Helitak, Fireball International, and McDermott Aviation," he said.
Fireball International's AI-driven FUEGO early fire warning system lived up to its hype when the test camera installed at the Peregian Digital Hub spotted smoke from a fire in Verrierdale, 10km away within about 90 seconds.
Mr Littleproud said the FireTech Laboratory was part of a joint investment of $36.8 million for locally-led bushfire recovery projects, announced in August by the Australian and Queensland governments.
"This is an important investment for the local Noosa area. It will benefit communities throughout the whole country by improving Australia's long-term bushfire-fighting capabilities and resilience," Mr Littleproud said.
Originally published as Peregian inferno sparks $1.89 million investment in hi-tech firefighting
How ‘dumb luck’ launched a $1 trillion opportunity
Stonepeak founder Mike Dorrell was in the right place at the right time. But the highly sought after fund manager is rewriting the rules on infrastructure.
Music fest, 100km run: Participants set to swelter as events ramp up
With a scorching 34 degrees forecast and a chance of rain predicted, people going to the much-loved Big Pineapple festival and athletes competing in the Blackall100 should prepare for anything.
Can Nine really change its shocking ways?
There is little confidence the same board that fundamentally allowed an appalling corporate culture and poor leadership to thrive, can also fix it.
Battle lines drawn over TAFE, safety upgrades for roads pitched
With less than two weeks to go before election day, Labor has drawn line in the sand over the Nambour TAFE while the LNP goes on the attack about roads in Cooroy and Palmwoods.
Developer set for court clash with council over supermarket rejection
A developer will take Sunshine Coast council to court after his application to build a suburb’s first supermarket was rejected despite desperate pleas from residents to give it the tick.
WiseTech’s board confronts tough choices with White
The billionaire founder of WiseTech Global, Richard White, has the backing of his board but there are active discussions about the chief executive taking leave from the tech major.