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Goulburn-Murray Water expands drone usage

By Contributed

Aug 28, 2023

New horizons: Using ariel drones to spray weeds is part of some exciting advancements in drone technology for Goulburn-Murray Water.

Goulburn-Murray Water has started exploring more opportunities for using drones.

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G-MW previously used aerial drones for mapping channels and detecting weeds, but has recently started to expand its use of them.

Underwater drones have recently been used to conduct routine underwater inspections of trash racks. Training workers to use the drones rather than sending specially-trained divers will reduce costs and improve flexibility of the inspections.

Trials have also been conducted using aerial drones to spray aquatic weeds at locations like the Goulburn Weir and several waterways.

G-MW survey services manager Avni Bekirofski said the trials had shown promise.

“Our tests have shown there is a lot of potential to this method of treating weeds, particularly in areas that are otherwise difficult to access,” he said.

“Over the course of several trials, we have learnt a lot and managed to refine our approach. With some of the latest tests, we have taken days to treat an area that would usually take weeks.

“Innovations such as this can create significant efficiencies and it is ultimately the customers who benefit from this, so it is fantastic to see the business embracing these advancements.”