UK civil engineering firm Jeremy Benn Pacific (JPB), which specialises in technology for weather risk management, has selected Brisbane as the base for its first Australian office.
“JBP is the kind of innovative company the Palaszczuk Government is trying to attract to Queensland through our Advance Queensland agenda,” said Treasurer and Minister for Trade Curtis Pitt.
“The company combines technology, science, engineering and forecasting to create new tools for managing weather risks to infrastructure and operations.
“They’ve already employed four local staff, more are expect to join in coming months and as their concept evolves, I’m sure there’ll be new opportunities as part of their expanding operations,” he said.
“Opening a new office is not easy, particularly one that hopes to keep innovation at the heart of its strategy,” said JBP Director Dan Rodger.
“However, we believe Brisbane has the mix of established businesses, transport links, research and development opportunities, and growth potential that we’ve been searching for.
“We’ve also appreciated the guidance of Trade and Investment Queensland, which provided advice and introductions that helped us to identify Brisbane’s business advantages.
The business works with ports, transport networks, mining organisations and governments to help increase resilience to cyclones, waves, erosion, stormwater and flood risks. It has
“We’ve developed Australia-wide flood risk maps that are used to evaluate exposure to natural catastrophes, and to help business and government make smart decisions about infrastructure upgrades, insurance, and disaster preparedness and recovery.
“For example, we’re currently using our hazard maps to prioritise road upgrades and support asset maintenance.”
Mr. Rodger said that Australia has a lot to gain by adopting this new technology into its transport sector.
“In the UK, we’re already working with railways to link weather forecasts to real-time risk maps, which are used to alert maintenance staff to undertake pre-emptive works in advance of a flood event,” he said.
“Likewise, our coastal forecasting systems are being used to manage marine construction and shipping operations, and to guide upcoming works, berths and schedules to have the greatest chance of success.
“We’ve developed these systems internationally and we hope to repeat this process in the Asia-Pacific.”
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