Natural Hazard Monitoring: A Sector Scan of Existing and Emerging Technologies

⁠⁠⁠The Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) is seeking a suitably qualified consultant to undertake a structured market and sector scan of existing and emerging natural hazard monitoring technologies relevant to NSW local government.

Local councils play a critical role in disaster preparedness, infrastructure management and community safety. As natural hazards become more frequent and complex, there is an increasing need for monitoring solutions that are reliable, cost-effective and practical to deploy and maintain within constrained council environments.

This project will assess low-cost, hazard-specific monitoring technologies across priority hazards including flooding, severe storms, extreme heat, landslides and coastal processes. It will also consider relevant data platforms that support the integration and use of monitoring data. Technologies will be evaluated against key criteria such as cost, ease of deployment, operational performance under adverse conditions, and overall suitability for council use.

The project will deliver a concise, evidence-based report providing clear comparative insights into available technologies, including their strengths, limitations and practical considerations. The findings will support councils to make informed decisions about future monitoring investments, pilot programs and procurement pathways.