AI uses phone photos to help monitor bushfire threats
A citizen science project hopes to use artificial intelligence in combating, predicting and monitoring bushfires across Australia
emergency planning
Windy conditions fuel rapidly moving fire in rural Qld
Warnings for a fast moving fire in rural Queensland have been downgraded after firefighters were able to divert it from properties.
Feds to ease the flood of trauma after disaster strikes
The federal government is launching a new framework to cut red tape and help traumatised disaster survivors access long-term mental health care .
Flood warning network launches in disaster-prone Qld
The federal government will spend $236 million in the next decade to set up a national network of flood gauges to protect at-risk communities.
Text-for-help satellite service to launch in Australia
Injured or lost hikers will be able to contact emergency services and their loved ones even when off the grid using a new satellite service.
New head appointed at disaster recovery agency
The Queensland government has appointed a familiar face to lead the state's disaster recovery agency following the departure of chief executive Brendan Moon.
International delegates hear how Australia manages fire
Delegates from around the world have heard from Indigenous Australians on traditional fire management practices at a forum in Darwin.
What Australia learned from recent devastating floods – and how New Zealand can apply those lessons now
Perhaps the key lesson for New Zealand, and also Australia, is the need to think beyond emergency management to building long-term resilience within agencies and communities.
Ambulance call answer times stretch out in Victoria
More than one in three calls for an ambulance in Victoria last financial year were not answered within 10 seconds, new Australia-wide data shows.
Bid to cut rising insurance costs in disaster-hit areas
Insurers have met the federal government to come up with a plan to help households with rising premiums and better prepare communities for natural disasters.
Cyber issue hits Victorian fire service
Hackers could be behind a massive "cyber issue" impacting Fire Rescue Victoria but authorities say it hasn't affected trucks or firefighting crews.
Fire Rescue Victoria confirms cyber attack
Cyber criminals have attacked systems of Fire Rescue Victoria but the agency insists public safety has not been compromised.
More firefighters part of Qld restructure
The Queensland government will spend $400 million on extra firefighters and equipment upgrades by 2026 as part of a major emergency services restructure.
Premier tours flooded NSW regions
Flood warnings and evacuations stretch "from one end of NSW to the other" as Premier Dominic Perrottet begins visiting affected communities.
Southern Queensland cops latest soaking
A major flood warning is current for southeast Queensland's Macintyre River, which is expected to peak at up to 9.9 metres at Goondiwindi.
‘Hit and miss’ storms to dump rain on NSW
Widespread thunderstorms are predicted for NSW into the weekend, bringing renewed swelling of flooding rivers and yet more rain to the sodden state.
Paradise Dam funds guaranteed: Qld govt
The Queensland government says the federal Labor government has guaranteed $600 million in funding for the Paradise Dam promised by its coalition predecessor.
Brisbane dam releases water in flood plans
The Queensland government has authorised Wivenhoe Dam operators to release drinking water into the Brisbane River in preparation for possible floods.
Vic homes under threat from major flooding
Hundreds of low-lying properties in central Victoria are under threat from major flooding, with residents in danger told to evacuate.
New measures to stop foot and mouth spread
Biosecurity officers could be given extra powers to screen air passengers, with the federal government working to keep foot and mouth disease out of Australia.
Govt foot and mouth response ‘flat-footed’
The federal opposition has again criticised the government's response to the threat of foot and mouth disease entering Australia after an outbreak in Indonesia.
NSW premier wants Warragamba Dam raised
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has praised a world-leading flood mitigation system just outside of Tokyo, but says it wouldn't work in Sydney.
Rain ramps up Sydney flood evacuations
Rising water levels are causing residents across southwest Sydney to evacuate their homes as heavy rain continues to bring increased flood danger in NSW.
Raising Warragamba Dam ‘would save homes’
The NSW government has been urged to raise the Warragamba Dam wall at a community meeting held for those impacted by recent flooding in Sydney.
NSW disaster agency ‘tried their best’: MP
Resilience NSW has faced further criticism at an inquiry into the state's flood response, as community groups claim they have been left to lead the recovery.
Flu prompts urgent appeal for blood donors
A flourishing flu season has led to a plummet in blood supplies across the country, with Australians being urged to roll up their sleeves and make a donation.
Brits eye best and brightest Aussie ambos
London Ambulance Service has launched a fresh recruitment drive, targeting Australian paramedic graduates at a time of local frontline shortages.
Government support lower than at bushfires
Just 32.2 per cent of respondents to a study said they would vote for the coalition if an election was held, a lower mark than after the Black Summer bushfires.
PM to make national disaster declaration
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will seek a national emergency declaration covering Queensland and NSW following talks with the premiers.
PM to declare national emergency in Qld
The prime minister says he will ask the governor-general to declare a national emergency in Queensland after touring flood-hit parts of the state's southeast.
Recovery head rebuffs resignation calls
The federal opposition has called for the head of National Recovery and Resilience Agency to resign following remarks about flood victims.