Multimedia Victoria - Bushfire warning possible under $28 million program
Bushfire warning possible under $28 million program |
| News - Tuesday 23 June 2009 |
| An innovative bushfire emergency warning system with early detection and community alerts is one of the technology projects to be developed under a $28 million Brumby Labor Government initiative. The emergency warning system was one of 18 projects announced by Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings today as being selected under stage two of the Smart SMEs Market Validation Program (MVP) which is designed to help turn Victorian technology ideas into innovative new products and services. “With the Smart SMEs Market Validation Program the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to boost our leading technology research and development sector to generate economic benefits and jobs growth for Victoria,” Mr Jennings said. “Such an emergency warning system would integrate a range of mapping and spatial systems and devices as well as community warning channels to improve community safety during bushfires for all Victorians. “The development of a system this powerful would not only benefit Victoria during the hazardous bushfire season but could also provide early warnings to communities in flood and cyclone prone areas such as Northern Queensland.” The Smart SMEs MVP provides incentive for small to medium-sized businesses and research institutions to accelerate the conversion of their ideas into tangible solutions. It matches government agencies and the challenges they face with SMEs capable of designing and delivering technological solutions to help address those challenges. Other proposed projects selected include forensic drug detection technology, protective gloves for prison officers, a mobile soil analysis system, a biofeedback device for lower back pain, electronic monitoring of high risk offenders and water systems optimisation. “These innovations aim to improve government services in areas including health, environment, transport, water, emergency services and public safety,” Mr Jennings said. “The Brumby Labor Government is committed to providing opportunities for the state’s innovators and this funding is a great incentive for SMEs to use their skills to develop a product suited to the needs of Victoria and the global marketplace.” State Government entities will act as the client for the project, engage SMEs through R&D funding and provide a test bed environment for the project. The Smart SMEs Market Validation Program is part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $300 million Victorian Innovation Statement, Innovation: Victoria’s Future. The call for proposals opens on 24 June 2009 and SMEs are encouraged to respond to one or more of the projects. For more information visit the list of Technology Requirement Specifications or visit www.business.vic.gov.au/mvp |
