A recent collaboration between Powerlink Queensland, Natural Hazards Research Australia, and the FLARE Wildfire Research Group at the University of Melbourne has provided a detailed analysis of bushfire risks for Queensland’s high-voltage electricity transmission network.
The project used advanced fire risk modelling to identify areas of significant vulnerability, offering data-driven insights to enhance bushfire mitigation efforts.
The research builds on methods from Project IGNIS, developed in 2019 by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). It focuses on the potential for bushfires to affect Powerlink’s infrastructure and the broader community, offering critical information to guide risk management and operational planning.
Queensland’s bushfire risks are intensifying due to factors like climate change, prompting Powerlink to take a closer look at fire hazards.
Traditionally focused on mitigating flood and cyclone impacts, Powerlink’s attention turned to bushfires following significant fire events in 2018 and 2019.
The project employed the PHOENIX RapidFire simulator to model potential ignition scenarios, fire spread, and subsequent impacts across Powerlink’s network.
The analysis incorporated Queensland-specific data, including vegetation types, topography, and historical fire patterns, to assess risks posed by both natural causes and network-related ignitions.
The study highlighted critical areas of concern where bushfires could either originate from Powerlink infrastructure or cause damage to its assets.
Urbanised areas with dense populations were identified as locations where fires caused by Powerlink infrastructure could lead to substantial economic and social impacts.
Coastal and heavily vegetated regions were pinpointed as zones where bushfires could disrupt Powerlink’s infrastructure, with potential consequences for service delivery.
This data enables Powerlink to refine its risk reduction strategies, targeting areas with the highest potential for losses or disruptions.
The findings align with the Australian Energy Regulator’s requirements for electricity providers to maintain reliable and resilient networks under changing climate conditions.
By adapting Project IGNIS’s framework to Queensland’s unique landscape, Powerlink gains actionable insights for prioritising mitigation investments.
Stephen Martin, Powerlink Queensland’s senior strategist for land assets, research, and development, stated that the findings would guide operational planning and strengthen collaboration with partners.
“Our internal Bushfire Mitigation Working Group will review and coordinate the implementation of this research across the business. This will include consideration of integration with strategic partners including Queensland Fire Department and the Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium. There are enhancements and additional questions that would add further value, and we will explore further with Natural Hazards Research Australia and its research partners,” he said.
The issue of bushfire preparedness extends beyond infrastructure. A survey conducted by insurance provider Youi revealed that many Australians in bushfire-prone areas remain unprepared.
While 52% of respondents expressed concern about bushfires, 26% admitted they were not ready for a fire event, and 32% were unaware they lived in at-risk zones.
To address this gap, Youi launched a Bushfire Preparedness Hub offering resources to help residents safeguard their homes and communities.
