A driver flood alert tool has been launched in some Queensland council areas under an Australian-first trial of live updates delivered through GPS navigation apps.

The pilot, targeting drivers in the Douglas and Fraser Coast regions as part of the Flood Resilient Communities Program, provides real-time road information to help people avoid flood-affected areas and hazards.

The tool is available through the Waze navigation app and Google Maps if Waze data is enabled.

It was developed by Brisbane-based FloodMapp – one of five recipients of NRMA Insurance’s $100,000 climate-smart innovation grants.

FloodMapp CEO and co-founder Juliette Murphy says that under its collaboration with the councils, it will offer access to its forecasting and modelling platform for 12 months, to improve their understanding of risks from heavy rain, storm surges and flash flooding.

“Flood incidents can be significantly reduced with the accuracy and speed FloodMapp modelling provides,” Ms Murphy said.

“This detail enables response teams to turn live forecasts into fast, safe, life-saving actions, in scenarios where every second can make a difference.”

Fraser Coast Regional Council disaster planning manager Brendan Guy said: “This trial will support faster and more informed local disaster management group decisions and enhance co-ordination between councils, emergency services and communities.”

NRMA Insurance CEO Julie Batch says the partnership shows the role of emerging technologies in combating climate hazards.

“FloodMapp represent the impressive calibre of Australia’s climate innovation leaders, delivering real-world impact at a local level,” she said.

“We are so pleased our Help Fund climate-smart innovation grant will scale access to FloodMapp’s vital technology to help communities to adapt, withstand and recover from the threat of floods.”