The Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s (QRA) new Chair will have an early opportunity to update progress on how the State is rebuilding after the past summer’s devastating natural disasters, when he opens Australasia’s leading spatial industry conference next month.
Major General Dick Wilson will be a keynote speaker at Ozri 2011, which will showcase the latest developments in the spatial industry and highlight creative applications of the technology.
Among these will be the QRA’s own interactive online mapping system, which contains the latest reconstruction imagery and information from areas affected by the natural disasters.
Esri Australia Managing Director Brett Bundock said Major General Wilson would detail the importance of spatial technology in the post-flood and cyclone recovery efforts.
“The QRA is using cutting-edge GIS technology to provide an unprecedented insight into how the nation’s biggest reconstruction effort is unfolding,” Mr Bundock said.
“This has never happened on such a broad scale and the application has won World Bank interest and acknowledgement as a model for other countries to consider.
“Having the QRA Chair to open Ozri 2011 and explain the successes and challenges of the mapping system first-hand will be a conference highlight.”
Mr Bundock said the QRA’s interactive reconstruction map embodied the key themes of this year’s Ozri: connect, build, optimise.
“Citizens on the ground are an essential information source, and GIS technology is helping them connect with each other and the QRA to build a meaningful picture of the reconstruction project,” Mr Bundock said.
“The complexity of rebuilding Queensland speaks for itself through the sheer scale of the exercise, and we applaud the wonderful work being undertaken by the QRA here.
“Fortunately for Queensland’s emergency services groups, one of the positive legacies to come out of the events of last summer is that we have become more acutely aware of how technology can optimise response and recovery efforts throughout a large-scale crisis.”
Ozri will be one of Major General Wilson’s first public appearances since taking over from fellow Major General Mick Slater as QRA chair earlier this month.
Ozri 2011 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 12-14 October. http://www.vision6.com.au/ch/32575/5k92d/1487029/a6b59ttd4.html
To view the full Ozri 2011 program of speakers, or to register, visit: www.esriaustralia.com.au/ozri
