By Margaret Maccoll
Who would have thought an astrophysicist would be working on fire management in Noosa?
Well after its near miss during the Peregian Beach fire in September last year the Peregian Digital Hub set out to fight fires through technology.
With state and federal government funding and led by technology entrepreneur Leigh Kelson a program called FireTech Connect is being created using sensors, signalling and satellites to predict, prevent, fight and recover from bushfire emergencies.
At Noosa Council’s General Meeting on Monday Councillors heard how Noosa was heading toward becoming a world headquarters in bushfire fighting through technology with this worldfirst program built up by a cohort of 14 cutting-edge technology companies along with a world-class mentoring panel, network of fire industry experts and corporate partners. The cohort includes local companies, Helitak (aerial suppression system), Fireball International (early detection) and Bia5 (robotic firefighting) with partners including Cooroy-based McDermott Aviation and CSIRO.
As well as marketing their creations to potential customers around Australia, the USA and Europe Council’s Disaster Management team will be working closely with the Hub’s FireTech Connect program to trial promising mitigation technologies and approaches.
In addition to technology Council has stepped up its bushfire mitigation work.
Council heard an update on fire management actions included a review of the 2015 bushfire management plan.
Working in partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, land management agencies and the community Council has stepped up fire reduction burns from four to seven and made improvements to its 62kms of access trails.
An education program to engage students in fire awareness was piloted at Good Shepherd College and a Get Ready community education program will be rolled out in October. Mayor Clare Stewart said the mitigation work would not prevent fires but it could mitigate losses and help protect the community.
To mark the one-year anniversary since last year’s bushfires a series of community events are planned.
A Spirit of Peregian event will be held on 5 September from 5-9pm at Peregian Beach surf club with speakers including Mayor Cr Stewart and Noosa fire station officer Rob Frey and music from Andrea Kirwin.
The fundraising dinner aims to raise money for the Verrierdale Rural Fire Brigade for the renovation of its facilities.
A community event will be held at Peregian Beach Community House on 12 September with other events planned at Cooroibah and Noosa North Shore later in the year.
