Victoria is expanding its network of AI-powered bushfire cameras, which use advanced technology to detect and respond to fires earlier.
Agriculture Minister, Michaela Settle announced funding over the next three years to expand the bushfire detection camera network. The $3.8 million project is jointly funded with Hancock Victorian Plantations and Green Triangle Fire Alliance.
“These AI-powered cameras will spot fires earlier, giving firefighters more time to respond and keep communities safe,” said Minister Settle.
Using AI, the cameras provide a 24-hour digital lookout, scanning the landscape for signs of smoke and fire and flagging potential fires for further checking.
“Every minute counts when a bushfire starts, and this expanded camera network will give our emergency services the information they need to act quickly, respond earlier and help keep Victorians safe,” said Minister for Emergency Services, Paul Edbrooke.
The seven existing AI-powered bushfire cameras will be bolstered by an additional 11 cameras to be rolled out in western and eastern Victoria by November 2027.
While the cameras will be installed on private plantations in western and eastern Victoria, their reach is much greater. The network will provide coverage across more than 1.4 million hectares of land, including 211,000 hectares of plantation.
More than 85% of the monitored area is non-plantation land, providing early bushfire detection for nearby regional communities.
The rollout builds on successful existing networks and industry-led pilot programs in regional Victoria. The existing cameras detected 40 fires during 2023–24 and 46 fires in 2024–25.
The investment follows a Commonwealth and Victorian Government investment in a Remote Sensing Bushfire Detection trial to investigate the accuracy of commercially available AI bushfire detection technology.
“The expansion of the camera network is a significant step forward in protecting plantation forests, neighbouring communities and valuable regional assets from the growing threat of bushfires,” said Green Triangle Fire Alliance Chair, Anthony Walsh.
“This co-investment reflects our shared commitment to reducing the impact of bushfires across Victoria. With advanced detection technology, we can identify fires earlier, and respond swiftly to help protect lives, livelihoods and plantation assets. We depend on this resource to sustainably store carbon and produce timber to build homes and make wood fibre products we rely on every day,” said Hancock Victorian Plantations CEO, Melanie Cook.
Victoria has the largest plantation forestry estate in Australia, accounting for around 23% of the national plantation estate and 29% of Australia’s wood production.
