NSW Natural Hazards Detection System: Phase 2 Pilot
Smart flood monitoring for safer communities
NGIS is deploying an AI‑powered camera network across Clarence Valley and Shoalhaven under the NSW Government’s NHDS Program — delivering real‑time water levels and early flood warnings where they matter most.
monitored camera sites
Local government areas
Months of live field trials
automated flood intelligence
About The Program
Innovative technology to improve natural hazard detection
The Natural Hazards Detection System (NHDS) Program, led by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer, supports large-scale trials of technologies that detect floods and fires earlier and more reliably. NGIS’s Phase 2 pilot delivers a camera-based flood intelligence platform that:
Detects Flooding Early
AI reads water levels directly from camera imagery at rivers, creeks and road crossings — no contact sensors required.
Predicts What’s Next
Short-lead forecasts of river heights, including at locations without any equipment, gives emergency services time to act.
Feeds Trusted Data
Live water levels, imagery and flood extents stream straight into NSW Government systems and a pilot dashboard for councils and SES.
Real-world Deployment
Flood monitoring in Clarence Valley & Shoalhaven
As part of Phase 2 of the NHDS Program, pilot trials are running across two flood-prone local government areas, with camera sites at critical bridges, causeways and low-lying crossings.
Clarence Valley Council
Eight existing flood cameras integrated with eight new solar-powered units along the Clarence River system — proving that legacy infrastructure and new technology can work as one network.
Shoalhaven City Council
A brand-new monitoring network of eight solar-powered camera sites, including satellite-linked units for remote coastal areas — a model for councils starting from scratch.
How it works
Cameras, cloud and AI working together
In Partnership With
Why It Matters
Earlier warnings. Better decisions. Safer communities.
Flood events escalate quickly, and traditional monitoring relies on sparse gauges and manual checks. This pilot gives councils and emergency services continuous visibility of rising water, near real-time alerts, and predictions of when roads will flood; supporting road closures, community warnings and response coordination when minutes count.
Want to know more?
For more information about this pilot, contact the NGIS project team, or reach the NHDS Program directly at nhds@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au.
