Media Release - 2024 Guardian Disaster Management User Group Conference - Day Two

The Guardian Disaster Management User Group Conference continued today, Wednesday 21 August 2024, with a full schedule of presentations, demonstrations, and discussions around cutting edge advancements in disaster management. Day two of the event, sponsored by Hinchinbrook Shire Council, focused on practical applications and future innovations in Guardian IMS and disaster response technologies.

The day began with a deep dive into the latest enhancements in Guardian IMS dashboards, presented by QIT Plus CEO Chris Madsen. Participants were introduced to new features such as the Dashboard Recovery Portal and story maps, designed to provide users with more intuitive and comprehensive tools.

A presentation from nbn representatives was a key highlight of the day, demonstrating how nbn’s robust network infrastructure supports disaster resilience, ensuring continuous communication during emergencies. Their session highlighted the importance of reliable connectivity in managing and mitigating the impacts of disasters.

As a Silver Sponsor, Aquamonix presented their latest innovations in irrigation systems and monitoring technology by showcasing how its solutions can be integrated into disaster management to support resilience and sustainability.

A standout session was the presentation from Noosa Shire Council, which shared insights on the design and functionality of their multipurpose Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC). This innovative building, which serves as a year round functional space, is a prime example of how thoughtful design can enhance disaster preparedness and response. This was followed with a live demonstration of the Simtable, a 3D interactive tool that simulates the impacts of bushfires, storms, and floods. As the only Simtable of its kind in Queensland, it generated significant interest among delegates, offering a unique perspective on disaster scenario planning.

QIT Plus representative took the stage to present the latest updates to Guardian IMS’s flood intelligence capabilities. The session covered key intelligence features and triggers, as well as improvements to the Flood Intelligence Dashboard. Attendees also learned about the addition of new map layers, including overland flow and flash flooding indicators.

One of the day’s most engaging sessions was a debate on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants were divided into affirmative and negative teams, sparking a lively discussion on the potential benefits and challenges of AI integration in emergency response.

The day wrapped up with a series of group sessions where participants discussed their needs and suggestions for future developments in Guardian IMS. The sessions underscored QIT Plus' commitment to continuous improvement, security, and business continuity in disaster management tools.

The second day of the 2024 Guardian Disaster Management User Group Conference reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation, with attendees looking forward to the final day’s activities and outdoor excursion.

Image: 2024 Guardian Disaster Management User Group Conference Participants.