Drone technology reduces pests and protects industry

The recent successful use of drone technology by Southern Downs Regional Council to gather 'pest data' for the implementation of animal control programs was a first that could be mirrored by government agencies across the country for a variety of applications within infrastructure, agriculture, biosecurity, emergency response, security and research.

In June 2016, Council partnered with Goondiwindi Regional Council, Biosecurity Queensland and Granite Borders Landcare Committee to address the region's pest problem. Australian technology company, Ninox Robotics was engaged to conduct drone flights along the Queensland and New South Wales border where previous pest animal control measures, such as aerial baiting and shooting, had been used.