Question - ACT Emergency Services Agency

In relation to the response to question on notice No 1425 in which the Minister referred to bushfire risk reduction and mitigation measures such as systems for rapid detection of fire ignitions and infrastructure developed by the Emergency Services Agency, can the Minister provide more detail on these risk reduction and mitigation measures, including the development and utilisation of the asset protection zones around Ginninderry.

The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA), through the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS), has been trialling early detection cameras on the four fire towers that surround the ACT since 2020. These cameras and the camera viewing platform allow the ACTRFS to monitor the surrounding areas 365 days a year, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) detection along with ‘human in the loop’ contingencies. This is also supported by ACTRFS temporary fire tower operators and/or the AI company.

The ACTRFS along with the ACT Parks Conservation Service and Australian National University are also developing enhanced lightning detection capability. This capability will allow the ACTRFS to identify lightning strikes and an analysis those that are more likely to start fires. These can be inspected by ground crews and/or air crews along with the ability to train the early detection cameras onto the identified locations for detection.

In relation to Ginninderry, asset protection zones (APZ) were identified through the estate development plan. The zones are reviewed and established as work starts on each stage of the development. APZs are constructed in accordance with the plans and feedback provided by ACTRFS and ACT Fire & Rescue. Once development is complete, the receiving land manager will accept or require improvement on the APZs to ensure cost effective management into the future.