By PEACE IJIYERA
A FLIGHT Test Range Command Centre has been officially opened at Latrobe Regional Airport.
The facility will allow for testing, manufacturing, development and integration of drones and aviation technology, right here in the Latrobe Valley.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, joined Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson and industry experts to open the facility last week.
Backed by $205,000 from the state government and $107,000 from Latrobe City Council, the command centre will make up part of the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct.
Latrobe City Chief Executive, Steve Piasente, officiated the event, and handed over to Ms Shing to say a few words.
“This is a place that many of us have come to over the years to talk about innovation, research, development and investment,” she said.
“And today marks another really important chapter in that conversation in the Valley.”
Ms Shing highlighted the “capable and dedicated skilled workforce” that is seen in Gippsland and the way the command centre will create local jobs and investment.
Cr Gibson marvelled at the capabilities of drone technology.
Cr Gibson, Cr Darren Howe (representing Tyers Ward), Ms Shing and industry experts cut the ribbon to officially open the centre.
Once open, attendees were invited to walk into the room where it all happens and witness a live demonstration of the drone in action. Through the live feed, people were able to see vision from the drone in the command centre.
Chief Remote Pilot, and Founder of Yarra Drones, Ravi Murty, worked with Latrobe City Council to deliver the command centre.
“Yarra Drones is proud to have worked with Latrobe City Council to design and deliver the command centre, bringing together remote operations, digital airspace management and flight-testing capabilities in a real-world environment,” he said.
“When scaled to its full operational capability, the command centre will be the first facility of its kind in Australia, providing industry with a unique environment to develop and demonstrate the next generation of uncrewed aviation.
“Establishing this capability at Latrobe Regional Airport will support industry innovation while positioning the region to play an important role in the future of advanced aviation.”
From agriculture to inspections and rescue missions, Mr Murty explained how drones can be used in different situations.
“If you are trying to do a search and rescue mission somewhere in the middle of bushes, and a drone operator can’t go there … they can send a drone from here and still do the job there … and find the person who’s in distress,” he said.
“So, that sort of situations, this centre will be very useful.”
