Natural Hazards Detection System

The Natural Hazards Detection System (NHDS) Program is a $3.3 million multi-phased competitive grant program aimed at testing innovative detection technologies. The goal is to improve early identification and warning systems for natural hazards such as floods and bushfires, providing residents with more time to evacuate and enabling emergency services to prioritise areas of highest risk.

The Program allows companies to demonstrate that their technology is both fit for purpose and offers value for money, while also enabling emergency management agencies to evaluate their suitability to address identified challenges. Challenges have been developed by NSW Government agencies, with a focus on fire and flood detection.

The NSW Government is committed to advancing innovative technologies to enhance natural hazard detection, aligning with Recommendation 5 of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry (2020) and Recommendation 2 of the NSW Flood Inquiry (2022). Both inquiries highlight the importance of using new detection technologies to mitigate the impact of natural hazards by delivering timely warnings.

The NHDS Program is administered by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) within the Premier’s Department, in collaboration with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

The NHDS Program has three phases:

• Phase 1: Proof-of-Concept – Organisations submit proposals to address a specific challenge and funding will be allocated through a competitive process. The recipients and a descriptions of the Proof-of-Concepts can be found here

Note: The Phase 1 grants are now closed.

Grant recipients of Phase 1 will be eligible to apply for Phase 2, through a competitive process. Separate guidelines will be released for Phase 2 and its terms, eligibility and criteria are at the discretion of OCSE.

• Phase 2: Pilot (by invitation) - Trial technology on a large scale in real-world scenarios.
• Phase 3: Post-NHDS grant – NSW Government will assess the solutions and may consider them for procurement. Note: participation in the program does not guarantee procurement.

NHDS Phase 2 Pilots

Phase 2 Pilots of the NHDS Program will deliver large-scale pilot trials of innovative flood and bushfire detection technologies in partnership with local councils and emergency services.

The pilots will be conducted across two designated local government areas (LGAs): Shoalhaven and Clarence Valley.

The Phase 2 NHDS Pilot targeted competitive grants will provide up to $350,000 per applicant from a total funding pool of $1.75 million.

This grant supports the 12-month deployments of solutions that demonstrate capability in detecting and monitoring natural hazards, while also delivering critical data to government agencies to inform disaster mitigation and emergency response planning in NSW.

Only recipients of the NHDS Phase 1 Proof-of-Concept grants are eligible to apply for the NHDS Phase 2 Pilot grants.

NHDS Phase 2 grant documents

NHDS Phase 2 Pilot Guidelines

NHDS Phase 1 Proof-of-Concept Final Report guidance

Application forms

• Application Part 1
• Application Part 2

NHDS Challenge Statements

NHDS FAQ

NHDS FAQ

Key Dates

Contact

Contact the NHDS team at nhds@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au for more information.