The drone can be used to target weeds in difficult-to-reach places and assists landholders with a range of management options. This is particularly useful for rocky and steep sites, in addition to waterways.
The equipment is valued at $25,000 and was offered to Landcare to assist the community in weed management.
In a pleasing development, C.R. Kennedy, SWGLN and drone company Field Master Systems are in discussions with Assumption College on how students could benefit from learning to operate a commercial drone.
SWGLN facilitator Sonia Sharkey thought the drone had tremendous potential for the community.
“As a Landcare network we are excited to be given the opportunity to be at theforefront of technology and share this with the community and students through education channels,” she said.
“We’re really excited that local students undertaking the VET drone certificate will be able to gain hands-on experience of using this agricultural drone out in the field in a work situation.
“It is also a service stream within the agriculture industry that students can aim towards, with real prospects of employment locally and further afield.”
Under the plan, Field Master Systems and Landcare would mentor students in how to use the drone, become proficient in using equipment use, and obtain their Civil Aviation Safety Authority licence.
The drone is set to be used to assist with blackberry spraying along Sunday Creek and tributaries. Residents with a property along Sunday Creek are encouraged to contact Sunday Creek-Dry Creek Landcare president Jacqui Fulton 0407 871 770 for further assistance.
