Push to create regional drone industry in QLD
Queensland has the biggest number of qualified workers in a critical new growth sector, and the jobs potential is only going to get bigger.
QLD Politics
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QUEENSLAND is the drone capital of Australia, with more certified pilots per capita than any other state, according to a new report.
Innovation Minister Kate Jones will today release the Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program report that provides the most detailed analysis yet of drone licences across Australia.
Produced by the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the report will provide a blueprint for regional communities to capitalise on new technologies in key industries such as mining, agribusiness and environmental management.
It finds drones are a key emerging technology, and Queensland is leading the country with 395 of the 1652 certified drone pilots in Australia.
Ms Jones said the Government was committed to working with councils to inspire the next generation of drone pilots and designers.
“There is huge demand for skilled workers in this area,” she said.
“The data released in today’s REAP report shows that Queenslanders lead the nation when it comes to embracing drone technology.”
She will today meet with Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio, Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett and Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson to discuss new ways to grow the state’s drone technology industry.
“We understand that there are huge opportunities to create jobs by using new technologies in industries where we’re already kicking goals,” she said.
“We are world leaders in mining and agribusiness and by working with councils and industry, we can fast-track the adoption of new technologies to grow jobs.”
The State Government has already partnered with the Federal Government to develop a $100 million centre for drone research and design in Brisbane.
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