Suncorp will help develop an AI-powered severe storm warning system under a disaster resilience partnership with the Queensland government.

The partnership, announced today, is part of the insurer’s promise to invest in the state – a commitment it made to secure the government’s backing for the sale of its bank to ANZ.

About $3 million will be invested over three years in new technology, university research and training under the Future Ready resilience program.

The program will focus on using AI and data to strengthen Queensland’s resilience against floods, cyclones, thunderstorms and bushfires.

Suncorp says the storm warning system is a key initiative under the program. 

“This will be cutting-edge technology that draws on AI to integrate information from multiple sources, including satellite, radar and weather modelling, in real time,” the insurer said.

“It will mean Queenslanders will receive advance notice of where a storm event will hit and the types of hazards, such as hail, rain and damaging wind.

“This will provide Suncorp and the Queensland government the specific guidance they need to prepare for severe storms in the crucial hours before an event.”

Queensland Emergency Services Minister Daniel Purdie says the storm warning technology “could be a game-changer for our front-line response. Giving police and emergency services advance notice of severe weather means we can get resources in place faster, keep communities safer, and save lives.”

The program’s other initiatives include funding natural hazard resilience training for builders, and community engagement to encourage innovative ideas for disaster risk reduction.

Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston says the program “underscores our ongoing commitment to working with the Queensland government to protect ... communities against the escalating threat of extreme weather”. 

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