❓ The WA government is actively investing in and upgrading its fire detection capabilities, including exploring new technologies like drones and satellite monitoring, while maintaining confidence in current methods.
AnsweredQoN 1466Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Have there been any significant upgrades or investments made in Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) fire detection capabilities over the last five years? (2) Does the DBCA consider that its fire detection capability is best practise? (3) Is the Western Australian Government participating in any research alliances or programs to trial and evaluate new technology or approaches towards early detection of fires? (4) Has the Department commissioned, or evaluated the use of: (a) drone fire detection technology; (b) satellite technology; (c) remote fire or smoke detection technology; and (d) drone fire fighting technology?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
20 June 2023
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment
Response time
7 days
(1) Yes. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) continues to invest and upgrade its fire detection capabilities on an annual basis, including the replacement of spotter aircraft. DBCA continues to progress with the upgrade of its fire tower detection system. In addition, DBCA utilises satellite technology to monitor the occurrence of bushfires, in particular in remote parts of the State where DBCA does not maintain a spotter or tower detection network.
(2) DBCA considers that its fire detection capability is currently the most efficient and effective method, given the current level of technology available and based on decades of operational experience.
(3) DBCA is liaising with other Australian jurisdictions and participating in programs to trial and evaluate new technology and approaches towards early detection of fires including improved remote sensing and smoke detection cameras.
(4) DBCA continues to investigate and liaise with a range of external organisations and other Australian jurisdictions to identify opportunities to evaluate improved satellite technology, remote fire and smoke detection technology, and drone fire-fighting technology.
(2) DBCA considers that its fire detection capability is currently the most efficient and effective method, given the current level of technology available and based on decades of operational experience.
(3) DBCA is liaising with other Australian jurisdictions and participating in programs to trial and evaluate new technology and approaches towards early detection of fires including improved remote sensing and smoke detection cameras.
(4) DBCA continues to investigate and liaise with a range of external organisations and other Australian jurisdictions to identify opportunities to evaluate improved satellite technology, remote fire and smoke detection technology, and drone fire-fighting technology.
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