Building Australia's Future Bushfire Resilience with Earth Observation Technology

Australia's ability to prepare for and respond to bushfires increasingly depends on satellite data, yet the nation currently relies largely on overseas-owned systems for critical Earth observation information. New research highlighted by the ABC showcases the OzFuel project, a pioneering initiative that aims to monitor the flammability of eucalypt forests from space, providing valuable insights for bushfire planning and risk management. In the article and accompanying ABC Radio interview, Professor Stuart Phinn, Director of the EORC, discusses the importance of developing sovereign Earth observation capability to strengthen Australia's disaster preparedness, environmental monitoring and national resilience.

Read the full ABC News article: Australian scientists develop world-first satellite technology to measure eucalypt flammability

Listen to the ABC World Today interview: Australia relies on overseas-controlled satellites for bushfire monitoring

Watch the full report: on ABCiview Landline (episode 27/09/2026)