Drones Strategy Queensland - consultation paper - Department ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Queensland
Drones Strategy
consultation paper
Copyright This publication is protected by the Copyright Act 1968. © State of Queensland, August 2017. Licence This work is licensed by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 International licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit: https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/ You are free to copy, communicate and adapt this publication, as long as you attribute appropriately, including: • The name of the publication “Queensland Drones Strategy” • A link to the work if you have sourced it online • The copyright licence statement above • Indicate if you have made changes to the work.
Foreword My government is focused on growing our economy and supporting the jobs of the future. Our $420 million investment in Advance Queensland is paying dividends—in just two years, we have supported over 4800 jobs, backed more than 1650 innovators to turn their ideas into reality and leveraged over $100 million in co-investment from partners. While our actions now are supporting Queensland’s strong economic growth and job creation, we are continuing to look for new opportunities to strengthen and build on this growth. We need to ensure we are well positioned to take advantage of future opportunities. An industry with significant potential globally, and for Queensland, is the drones industry. A 2016 report by Goldman Sachs highlights that potential drone market opportunities for consumer drones could reach US$17 billion by 2020, and the commercial and civil drone market could reach US$13 billion by 2020. Queensland has an opportunity to build on its existing technical expertise, our world‑class research sector and status as an innovation leader to benefit from the growth in this market. This Queensland Drones Strategy consultation paper has been developed as a way to start the discussion around how we can take advantage of this opportunity. We need to ensure industry can thrive, our research and development opportunities are maximised, investment flows into Queensland, our communities benefit, and Queenslanders’ rights are protected. Importantly, we need to develop a strategy so that we have a shared vision, we know how to achieve that vision and what our responsibilities are in achieving our vision. Success cannot be achieved by government alone. I encourage you to have your say on how we can make the most of this opportunity to support economic growth and the jobs of the future. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Premier and Minister for the Arts
Acronyms
Acronym Definition
ACMA Australian Communications and Media Authority
AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority
AUV Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
BVLOS Beyond Visual Line of Sight
CASA Civil Aviation Safety Authority
CASR Civil Aviation Safety Regulations
CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation
DAF Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
DNRM Department of Natural Resources and Mines
DTC Amendment Bill Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2015
DTMR Department of Transport and Main Roads
DSD Department of State Development
DSITI Department of Science, Information Technology and
Innovation
DTMR Department of Transport and Main Roads
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
GPS Global Positioning System
IMO International Maritime Organisation
IP Act Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld)
MSQ Maritime Safety Queensland
QFES Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
QPS Queensland Police Service
ReOC Remote Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate
RePL Remote Pilot Licence
RPAS Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems
SME Small to Medium Enterprises
STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
TIQ Trade and Investment Queensland
UASSC Unmanned Aircraft Systems Standard sub-committee
UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
UUV Unmanned Underwater Vehicle
VET Vocational Education and Training
WoDC World of Drones Congress
queensland drones strategy 2
Vision Defining ‘drones’
Our vision is that Queensland Drone is the common term for Drones range in size from nanoscale
is a world leader in drone technology Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), to those capable of transporting
and application. Our drone industry or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems people. The types of drone platforms
has strong investment and jobs (RPAS), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles include multi‑rotor systems, fixed‑wing
growth, supported by our world‑leading (UUV) or Autonomous Underwater craft and single‑rotor helicopters and
research and development capability Vehicles (AUV). In the context of this hybrids. There are a wide range of
and a highly skilled workforce. strategy, drones refers to any remotely existing and emerging applications for
Queensland is a place where controlled or autonomous aircrafts drones, including government service
drones complement and enhance or underwater crafts, with a primary delivery, commercial, military, and
Queenslanders’ lives and support focus on civilian uses. scientific research. Drone technology
our communities. is being increasingly embraced by
Drones can be operated using
hobbyists. The ways in which drones
sensors, global positioning system
are used, operated and regulated, and
Insights
(GPS) data and video streaming,
the technology itself, is evolving rapidly.
and may be autonomous or remotely
piloted. Aerial drones are considered
What is your vision for the drone aircraft by Australia’s Civil Aviation
industry in Queensland? Safety Authority (CASA) and are covered
by the Commonwealth Civil Aviation
Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Safety
Regulations 1998 (CASR)i. Underwater
drones are within the jurisdiction
of the relevant water authority.
queensland drones strategy 3
Industry drivers
and the global picture
Development of the Technology Policy setting
drone industry is being Drone technology is advancing rapidly.
The first drones were developed
Aerial drones
driven by technological for military purposes in the mid CASA regulates Australia’s safety
laws for aerial drones. CASR Part
advances, consumer 20th century, with surveying and armed
capabilities. The popularity of consumer 101 – Unmanned aircraft and
demand and rapid and commercial drones has been rockets governs the use of drones
relatively recent, with significant growth for commercial and recreational
growth in commercial in production in the last 10 years. purposesiii. Recent amendments to
market opportunities, Technological advances have enabled CASR Part 101 have reduced the costs
civilian drones to be made at a lower and legal requirements for low‑risk
underpinned by cost and with capabilities such as GPS drone operations by introducing new
an evolving policy and waypoint navigation, smartphone weight classifications. Prior to the
based control systems, high definition amendments, a remote piloted aircraft
landscape. Queensland’s video that can be adjusted during flight operator’s certificate (ReOC) and/
responsiveness to these and thermal cameras. or remote pilot licence (RePL) were
required for all commercial drone use.
industry drivers has Further advances in technology are
Licenses and certificates are no longer
expected to increase opportunities for
positioned the state as a the civilian drone market. A key area of compulsory for all commercial operation
leader in drone use and development is autonomous navigation of very small drones (0.1kg‑2kg), and
commercial use of small (2kg-25kg)
ability. This allows drones to identify
development. and manoeuvre around obstacles, drones over the operator’s private
leading to a dramatic improvement property. Use of medium drones
in drone autopilot features. Increasing (25kg‑150kg) over the operator’s private
sophistication in drone systems, property do not require a ReOC, though
including Beyond Visual Line of still require a RePL. These changes aim
Sight (BVLOS) long-range operations to reduce the red tape for commercial
capabilities, payload capacity and drone use while maintaining safety
advances in data collection abilities protocols in line with international
such as sound and images, will likely standardsiv. However, licenses may still
have a significant impact on the be required in specific circumstances,
drone industryii. for example, for chemical application.
Broader innovations in technology Commercial use of drones of any
will also likely drive drone development. size are subject to restrictions under
Existing platforms are the convergence the Radio Communication Act 1992
of a range of technologies such as (Cth). The radio frequencies used to
hydrodynamics, structural mechanics, control drones must comply with those
robotics, signal and information authorised under a licence issued by
processing, systems engineering, the Australian Communications and
electrical components and sensor Media Authority (ACMA).
systems. Further developments in these As part of CASA’s review of Part 101,
areas, plus the continued emergence it has issued a discussion paper
of new technologies, have the potential for public comment which closes
to lead to new drone capabilities. on 22 September 2017. The paper
considers issues that may need
to be addressed by regulation in the
queensland drones strategy 4
drone industry
Consumer demand Commercial market
Low-cost, easily accessible technology for Application across a wide range of civil
recreational users. industries and government services.
Research and development opportunities.
Policy setting Technology
Managing safety, security and privacy Advances in drone platforms, onboard
concerns and supporting the industry capabilities and navigation.
in line with international standards.
future, including developments in BVLOS national or international level. Future For example, the Commonwealth Privacy
capabilities, operation in Instrument developments in this area will have Act 1988 (the Commonwealth Privacy
Flight Rules, lift and carry issues potential impacts on the drone industry. Act) and IP Act and their respective
and integration into the air traffic Privacy Commissioners, regulate
management system. Privacy only ‘information privacy’ and not
CASA does not deal with privacy surveillance more generally. The IP Act
As technology advances and the
complaints related to drone use and applies only to Queensland Government
market grows, the policy landscape
privacy issues are addressed through agencies. The Commonwealth
will need to continue to evolve.
a complex suite of regulations. Privacy Act applies to Commonwealth
The Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Collection of personal information agencies and other entities, including
Standards sub-committee (UASSC)
by Queensland Government must corporations with annual turnover of
is a joint CASA/aviation community
be handled in accordance with the more than $3 million. However, many
forum for the development of
Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act). entities, including small businesses
regulations and standards of aerial
Other considerations include: and individuals, fall outside the scope
platforms. A taskforce has recently
of both Acts.
been established to focus on the future • obligations in the Invasion
development of Part 101. The principle of Privacy Act 1971 concerning the The Australian Parliament’s House
aim of the taskforce is to develop audio recording of conversations of Representatives Standing Committee
a roadmap or strategic plan, setting • common law relating to trespass (the Committee) on Social Policy
out the objectives of future regulation against a person and Legal Affairs tabled the Eyes
in Australia. The roadmap will identify in the Sky report in July 2014, with
• Section 227A of the Criminal Code
potential operations such as BVLOS, the federal government response
1899 concerning observations or
long‑endurance, high‑altitude or tabled in December 2016. The report
recordings in breach of privacy
autonomous flight, and determine recommended that the Australian
the regulatory, technological and • management of drone generated Government consider introducing
procedural steps necessary to facilitate records under the Public Records legislation that provides protection
the safe introduction of these kinds Act 2002 against privacy-invasive technologies,
of operations. • Defence Trade Controls Amendment including drones, with particular
Bill 2015 (DTC Amendment emphasis on protecting against
Underwater craft Bill) which relates to ‘Dual Use intrusions on a person’s seclusion
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) Goods’ – Category 9: Aerospace or private affairs. The Committee also
has jurisdiction over water space and Propulsion Aero gas turbine recommended that the Australian
management up to three nautical miles engines, rocket propulsion systems, Government coordinate with CASA and
off the Queensland coast. This includes UAVs, sounding rockets, wind the Australian Privacy Commissioner to
the operation of drones. The Australian tunnels, turbine blade production review the adequacy of the privacy and
Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) equipment air safety regimes in relation to dronesv.
is responsible for the safety and • Section 131 of the Survey and The federal government is currently
protection of Australian waters. Drone Mapping Infrastructure Act 2003 progressing public hearings for the
use outside of three nautical miles • CASA requirements in relation Senate Standing Committee on Rural
will be under AMSA jurisdiction. At an to drones (though CASA does and Regional Affairs and Transport
international level, the International not explicitly cover privacy) inquiry into regulatory requirements
Maritime Organisation (IMO) is a that impact on the safe use of RPAS,
• MSQ and AMSA requirements
specialised agency of the United UAVs and associated systems.
for underwater vehicles
Nations with responsibility for safety Amendments to privacy regulations
and security of shipping. • Major Events Act 2014.
have the potential to have a significant
As yet, there are no regulations or The Australian Privacy Commissioner impact on the drones industry.
guidelines specific to the operation and Queensland Privacy Commissioner
of drones in Queensland at a state, have limited roles in this space.
queensland drones strategy 5
case study
Screen Queensland
Drones are revolutionising the movie industry, making previously difficult shots
much easier to accomplish and achieving shots that were previously impossible.
Queensland, as the prominent home of blockbuster movies in Australia, is at the
forefront of this innovative work with films including Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Men Tell No Tales, Thor: Ragnarok, Aquaman and Pacific Rim 2 all utilising
drones throughout filming.
On Pirates of the Caribbean, the filmmakers were able to work with the drone
technicians to create shots that both saved costs to the production but also
allowed for shots that have never been achievable before. This was key
Consumer demand to refreshing the look, feel and ambition of the franchise.
Recreational drone use is a popular The technicians used a large drone operated camera to achieve big sweeping
pursuit and is forecast to grow rapidly aerial shots as well as manoeuvring the drone around a pirate ship, sweeping
into the next decade. From its military over the deck.
origins, drone technology has
diversified into the consumer market,
and responsive manner. Examples for drones set by the Federal Aviation
with low-cost toy drones for recreational
include collecting intelligence during Administration (FAA) are opening the
users readily available. Research by
emergency or disaster events to door to industry expansion, exempting
Grand View Research estimated the
allow real‑time decision making, companies from requiring a FAA issued
drone consumer market was valued at
facilitating cost effective pesticide certificate of airworthiness to operate
USD $355.9 million in 2015 and forecast
application in agriculture, invasive drones for purposes such as insurance,
a 35 per cent increase in the Asia Pacific
species management, aerial mapping construction and agriculturex.
region by 2024vi.
and infrastructure assessment, and
Europe accounted for over 30 per cent
taking images/film for marketing and
of the industry share in 2015 and is
entertainment.
Insights Growth in the drone market presents
forecast to emerge as a predominant
region for the industryxi. By 2036, the
further opportunities for drone research sector is expected to directly employ
Are there any other drivers of industry and development. The Queensland more than 100,000 people and
growth? What will be the drivers into Government actively supports research have an economic impact exceeding
the future? and development, providing funding EUR $10 billion per year, mainly
grants through Advance Queensland, in servicesxii.
sponsoring the World of Drones
Commercial markets The European Commission released
Congress (WoDC) and supporting the
a communication, ‘A new era for
Commercial and government markets UAV challenge.
aviation’, followed by the Riga
are key areas of growth for the
Declaration in 2015, outlining
drone industry. Civilian markets
are predicted to eventually outstrip
Global trends a European level policy framework
Globally, the drone industry is a to enable industry development
the military market and present a
sector of growth. There are variable in a safe and secure mannerxiii.
significant opportunity for drone use,
research and developmentvii. A recent estimates of the current and forecast The Asia Pacific region is also
report by Goldman Sachs considered drone markets from research bodies. forecast to see substantial growth
the opportunities for the whole This is due to differences in the in the consumer drone market over
drone market, including consumer classification of drones and what is the next decade. Much of this growth
markets, commercial markets, incorporated into the estimates. For may be attributed to investors from
military applications and government example, the estimates from Goldman the United States of America investing
operations. The research forecasts that Sachs aim to capture commercial, civil heavily in Chinese drone companiesxiv.
potential drone market opportunities and consumer drones, while Grand
for consumer drones could reach View Research focuses on consumer
US$17 billion by 2020, and the drones. Business Insider Intelligence
commercial and civil drone market examines the sale of all drones,
could reach $13 billion by 2020viii. forecasting this will surpass $12 billion
in 2021ix. What is clear from all of the
Drones have an extensive range research is that the market is growing
of civilian applications. Queensland rapidly, with commercial and consumer
Government agencies are embracing drones becoming more prevalent.
this new technology to deliver
services in a new, more efficient In the United States of America, recent
amendments to federal regulations
queensland drones strategy 6
Queensland
industry snapshot
case study
Industry insights Joint QPS-QFES exercise at WoDC
Queensland boasts a significant
On 2 September 2017, as part of the inaugural World of Drones Congress, the
depth of capability in drone design
Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
and manufacture. More than 30 per
(QFES) will conduct ‘Exercise Flight’, an interagency exercise on the South Bank
cent of Australia’s growing drone
stretch of the Brisbane River. An emergency drone will livestream the exercise
industry is located in Queenslandxv.
to highlight both its search and rescue capability and the broader role that drones
According to CASA, the number of
can play in responding to emergencies. This public demonstration reflects the
certified unmanned aerial systems
commitment of QPS and QFES to embracing innovation and technology in service
operators in Queensland is 267.
delivery and making our communities safer.
This is approximately 25 per cent of the
total certified operators across Australia.
environmental monitoring, biosecurity Queensland Government
Underpinning the strength of and infrastructure assessment.
Queensland’s drone capabilities actions
Drone technology has the capability
is a strong base of international The Queensland Government
to introduce greater efficiencies
prime defence companies and recognises the potential of drones in
in a range of Queensland industries.
small to medium enterprises (SMEs) supporting economic and jobs growth,
The Queensland Government is
providing world-class technological the ability to deliver better services for
working to facilitate the development
and manufactured goods and Queenslanders and in supporting our
and growth of the industry, through
services across the sector. Emerging communities. We are working hard to
investment in a range of programs
technologies, such as drones, can take advantage of these opportunities
and initiatives. Companies across
be applied across a broad array of and our agencies have embraced the
the state are leveraging our competitive
traditional industries, for example technology to deliver services in new,
advantages to create international
automated crop and pest monitoring. safer and more efficient ways. The
opportunities.
table below presents a summary of
Queensland can capitalise on its
the actions that agencies are currently
existing technical expertise, along with
undertaking.
our highly regarded research agencies
and specialist capability in drones
Insights
to develop systems that support the
growth of industries such as mining Who are the key players in
and agriculture, and efficient service Queensland’s drone industry and
delivery such as disaster response, what are they doing?
Agency Action
Department of State Three government-funded trials aimed to determine aerial drone capacity to replace manned aircraft for
Development (DSD) government purposes, including surveillance of illegal fishing activities off the coast of Moreton Bay,
North Stradbroke Island and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and biosecurity missions focused on the
size and spread of Siam Weed
Promotion of the Queensland aerospace industry, including drone capability, at targeted trade shows
such as the Avalon Air Show
Supporting the UAV Challenge as part of a joint sponsorship proposal with DSD, Department of Science,
Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI) and Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM)
Commissioned the RPAS test, trial and evaluation site study
Developing the Queensland Aerospace 10 Year Roadmap and Action Plan (yet to be released)
Department of Working with the Business Corporate Partnership Procurement unit in Department of Environment and
Natural Resources Heritage Protection to establish a new category in our Spatial Imagery preferred supplier panel for
and Mines remotely sensed imagery captured by RPAS
Piloting alternative technologies to deliver timely and reliable streamflow data
queensland drones strategy 7
Agency Action
Department of Supporting the WoDC
Science, Information Advance Queensland funding to support:
Technology and
• Platform Technology Program
Innovation
• Engaging Science Grants
• Hot DesQ
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• Research Fellowships
• Ignite Ideas Fund
Provision of science delivery services and support of the legislative requirements of government,
particularly in relation to the assessment of land use and pollution management
Department of Established a Remote Piloted Aircraft – Training Advisory Group to provide advice to support skills
Education and development for the commercial operation of unmanned systems technology in Queensland
Training The AVI30316 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot – Visual Line of Sight) qualification is subsidised
under the Queensland Government’s Annual Vocational Education and Training (VET) Investment Plan,
and is being trialled for VET in Schools delivery through Aviation High
Schools of the future – A strategy for STEM in Queensland state schools supports the implementation
of the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies. The use of drone technologies will be an innovative
resource to support this strategic activity. Schools will be supported to use drones as part of
implementing this curriculum
Development of a Use of Drones in Schools Policy
Developing risk assessments to guide the use of drones in schools
Department of Monitor compliance with environmental approvals including large scale rehabilitation
Environment and
Heritage Protection
Queensland Fire and Commenced a trial of RPAS and unmanned aircraft focused on understanding the future application
Emergency Services of this technology in the field of fire and emergency services
The Brisbane-based trial will run for 12 months and support operations through enhanced intelligence
and situational awareness for firefighting, hazardous material management, fire investigation and search
and rescue operations
Obtained a department-wide ReOC from CASA in 2017, allowing drones to be introduced into day‑to‑day
emergency operations, which is better informing the future needs of the department
Queensland Police Developed the Proposed strategy for the further implementation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Service within the Queensland Police Service (2016)
Attained a CASA Operators Certificate in 2013. The QPS became the first Australian law enforcement and
Queensland Government agency to be certified
Utilising RPAS for aerial photography and mapping for forensic purposes, emergency and disaster events
Department of Amended legislation to enable the use of drones by licenced chemical applicators and issues licenses for
Agriculture and the aerial distribution of agricultural chemicals
Fisheries In partnership with DNRM, Biosecurity Queensland has joined with the CSIRO to use drone technology to
tackle pest weeds
Using drones for fire detection, timber salvage assessments and other forestry managed activities
The Crop and Food Science group operate UAVs for the collection of pest impact imagery on field crops as
well as video imagery
Agri-Science Queensland uses UAVs to undertake crop biomass sensing
The Dairy Group uses a UAV to provide industry with options to improve farming practices
queensland drones strategy 8Agency Action
Department of Monitoring conditions in marine and terrestrial protected areas
National Parks, Fire management
Sport and Racing
Asset management
Pest management
Development of promotional material
Operational policy: landing aircraft and recreational craft in Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services
managed areas
Department of DTMR uses RPAS for the following activities:
Transport and Main • batter slope inspection (slope stability)
Roads
• landscaping assessments and training
• bridge & asset inspection (safety and asset management)
• volumetric survey
• construction progress photography
• fauna spotting
• feasibility studies
• emergency response data acquisition
DTMR supports QPS in the use of RPAS to investigate fatal crashes
The agency has a Technical Note No. 156 – Use of Remote Piloted Aerial System (RPAS), ReOC and four
RePL at South Coast Region
DTMR, as representative of Queensland Government at National Airports Safeguarding Advisory Group,
tabled the matter of drone use and safety implications upon transport corridors at the annual meeting
held in March 2017
Trade and Promote Queensland capabilities in drone research and development, and identify potential international
Investment opportunities for collaboration
Queensland
Attracted international drone companies, including Terra Drone, to establish operations in Queensland
Office of Small Provided grants to six small businesses that either have drones as their core business or they were
Business seeking to purchase drones to boost their business capability
Energy Queensland Using drones to identify existing and potential defects on the network
Limited UAVs were used to capture aerial views of the impacted network during the response to Tropical Cyclone
Debbie
Powerlink Continuing to explore the effective and efficient use of drones through research and development
program
Stanwell Collect video footage, visual assessments of infrastructure, and conduct stockpile surveys
CS Energy Aerial photography
SEQWater Monitor and maintain water supply assets, water catchments and recreational areas
SunWater Visual inspection and surveillance of assets
UUVs are used to inspect Paradise Dam
Gladstone Area Inspection of water storage roof tops and surveys of managed land
Water Board Photography and videography during times of emergency
Submersible drones are used for the inspection of in-water infrastructure
Insights
How can government continue to develop its drone capability?
How can government support industry and the community to grow the drone sector?
queensland drones strategy 9Queensland’s strengths
Home to global companies chemical applicators to employ drones Land and coastline
for aerial distribution of agricultural
and industry stakeholders chemicals. DAF, DNRM and Biosecurity availability
Queensland is home to leading Queensland joined with the CSIRO Queensland’s physical environment
industry stakeholders in drone to use drones to tackle pest weeds. provides a natural advantage for drone
and platform technology research facilities. Expanses of open land with
Through Advance Queensland, the
and development, systems design uncongested airspace and favourable
Queensland Government has funded
and manufacture including global climate provide an opportunity for aerial
drone initiatives including $1 million
companies, and SMEs. This existing drone use and testing. This advantage
to develop and test drone technologies
network positions Queensland as has already been recognised, with Dalby
in Queensland in collaboration with
an attractive proposition for future and Kingaroy selected as sites for the
Boeing subsidiary Insitu Pacific,
industry development. UAV Challenge.
Shell’s QCG project, Telstra and
Queensland SMEs. Our state has extensive coastlines,
World‑class research Our existing initiatives have positioned
boasting world‑class beaches and
the Great Barrier Reef. Queensland’s
capabilities Queensland as regional leaders in
coastal assets are an attractive
Our world‑class universities and drone technology, with existing industry
proposition for underwater drone use
institutes including Queensland networks and internal knowledge
and testing, with potential tourism and
University of Technology, the University and expertise.
conservation benefits. The expanse
of Queensland, Griffith University, of our marine areas may also support
James Cook University, the University
of Southern Queensland, University
Proximity to growth markets larger drone testing sites for military
and commercial purposes.
of the Sunshine Coast and the CSIRO’s Queensland is ideally located to
autonomous systems laboratory, access and connect with the high Queensland’s coastal assets are an
are at the forefront of research on growth markets in the Asia Pacific attractive proposition for aerial and
drone and associated technologies region. Asia’s expertise in electronic underwater drone use and testing, with
and are host to prominent researchers manufacturing and technology potential tourism and conservation
in the field of robotics. The strength development provide opportunities benefits. Drones have been deployed to
of our universities also presents an for collaborations for industry and monitor nesting grounds for green turtles
opportunity for training university research and development, as well as part of the Raine Island Recovery
graduates and building research as exports. Project, a five-year $7.95 million
capacity in Queensland. collaboration between the Queensland
Queensland’s reliable and efficient
Government, BHP Billiton, the Great
infrastructure, including five
Barrier Reef Foundation, and the
international airports and 56 certified
Regional leaders airports, a modern and efficient
Wuthathi and Meriam Nations Traditional
in investment and road network, and access to reliable
Owners. The Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers
in Cape York are pioneering the use of
service delivery rail and port services, will facilitate
aerial drones to survey offshore islands
these connections.
The Queensland Government is and coral reefs. Robotics researchers
supporting drone industry development from QUT have developed COTSbot, an
through existing initiatives and is a underwater drone capable of identifying
leader in adopting the technology for and eliminating the destructive
service delivery. Government agencies crown‑of‑thorns starfish.
have embraced new technology
to deliver services, ranging from
aerial mapping, emergency service
management and agricultural practices.
The QPS is the first Australian law Insights
enforcement agency to achieve a CASA
Operators Certificate. DAF recently What sets us apart and makes Queensland an attractive proposition for industry
amended legislation to allow licenced development?
queensland drones strategy 10Challenges
Complex regulatory companies, the ease of accessibility (including beaches, parks or sporting
of data captured by drones brings with ovals), or near areas affecting public
environment it a responsibility to maintain good safety or where emergency operations
CASA’s CASR Part 101 provides information management practices are underway (without prior approval).
an overarching regulatory framework within organisations. This includes These are enforced by CASA and fines
for the operation of aerial drones. This ensuring data is collected officially, apply to operators that breach these
sets the safety guidelines and no fly licenced and shared appropriately conditions.
zones for commercial and recreational and that privacy and discoverability
The Radio Communication Act 1992
use, and grants licences and permission and access to information is
(Cth) sets the radio frequencies that
for flight where required. The proposed actively managed.
can be used to control drones. The
Queensland strategy must operate
Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum
within this regulatory framework.
Regulations for underwater drones Facilities restrictions Plan delineates the Australian
Queensland does not currently radiofrequency spectrum into a number
are under the jurisdiction of the water
have commercial facilities capable of bands to be used for specific
regulatory body. In Queensland,
of supporting certain types of drone purposes: for example, anti-collision
MSQ and AMSA are the agencies
testing, including testing for some radar on commercial passenger aircraft.
in charge of safety and management
military applications. To position Drones must be operated in accordance
of our coastal waters. Recreation
Queensland as a hub for drone testing with the appropriate frequency band to
and commercial activities in inland
and development, upgrading existing avoid interference with other activities.
catchments may be regulated by
the catchment or water authorities. facilities or developing greenfield sites Illegal use of drones presents a safety
will be required to accommodate large concern and a security risk. Operating
scale drones. outside of CASA guidelines or the
Protecting individual’s allocated radio frequencies increases
rights the potential for accidents, including
Privacy issues are a potential concern
in relation to drone use. Drones
Insights collisions in the airspace, and poses
a significant risk to members of the
have the capacity to travel relatively community. Drones’ ability to carry
What are some other risks that we
unnoticed, enter private property objects may also lead to potential risks
need to consider?
and record live images and sounds. for national security.
This poses a privacy risk as drones may What ways can we mitigate Although CASA provides overarching
be used to monitor, record or disclose these risks? guidelines for the safe use of
individuals’ private activities without aerial drones, there are specific
their consent. The Commonwealth What are the appropriate insurance circumstances that may need further
Privacy Commissioner has commented requirements for consumer and consideration. For example, the use
that “the application of sophisticated commercial use of drones? of drones above or near roads risks
drone technology raises some potential collision with vehicles and may cause
privacy issues that need to be addressed driver distraction. Similarly, the use of
if the social and economic potential
of drone technology is to be realised”.
Safety and security underwater drones in busy water ways
Safety and security of the public may present a collision risk.
The challenge for Queensland is to
effectively address privacy and safety is a foremost priority for the
Queensland Government.
concerns while ensuring a policy
environment that fosters investment CASA guidelines set the restrictions
Insights
and industry development. for where and when aerial drones
can be used. Drones may not be What barriers are there to drone
Drones fitted with high-resolution
operated at night or out of visual sight, industry development in Queensland
cameras and sensors have the capacity
over 120 metres above ground level, and how can they be overcome?
to generate large volumes of imagery
data and information. Once just the within 30 metres of other people,
domain of commercial aerial surveying within 5.5 kilometres from controlled
aerodromes, over any populous areas
queensland drones strategy 11Opportunities for Queensland
Queensland is strongly Growth in the industry has the
potential to support future employment
• operating drones—developing skills
in coding and technical operation,
positioned to take opportunities through complimenting as well as use for surveys, shooting
the lead in drone existing careers and creating new
positions. According to CASA, three
videos and collecting data
• using drones for creative inspiration
investment, research years ago in Australia there were and debate—for younger school
100 certified drone pilots. Today,
and development. nationwide, this has grown to over
students this may include creative
writing or art; older students
Our existing technical 900 certified drone pilots. To maximise may use drones to inspire ethical
the potential job opportunities,
expertise, highly Queensland can build on our existing
debates, media experience, film
or photography.
regarded research and strengths to establish a strong
drone industry within the state and To support training and education
specialist capabilities increase the technical capabilities of the workforce, the Queensland
in platform technologies of our workforce through training Government has introduced a subsidy
under the Annual VET Investment
and development.
have wide ranging Plan for the AVI30316 Certificate III
For example, the Queensland
benefits across industry, Government recognises the importance
in Aviation (Remote Pilot – Visual
Line of Sight) qualification. There
furthering the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering is an opportunity for the course to be
and Mathematics (STEM) to our future
of Queensland as a industries and supports the use of
integrated into secondary schools and
this is currently being trialled through
drone innovation and drone technology in schools through Aviation High. The trial will be reviewed
a number of initiatives including grants, to determine the VET in Schools model
development hub. roadshows and competitions. There to be supported in 2018.
currently exists a range of programs
to prepare Queensland school students Currently, AVI30316 is the only
for the jobs of the future, including qualification specific to RPAS operation,
the Queensland Coding Academy, however, additional qualifications
the Advance Queensland Engaging may emerge as the industry develops.
Science Grants, the STEM.I.AM program Supporting the provision of certified
and the introduction of the first STEM training courses to Queenslanders
Champions in 2018. will help ensure our future workforce
is able to take advantage of the job
These initiatives help urban and rural opportunities from drone technology.
students and teachers reap the benefits
of STEM education. Opportunities may A key opportunity for Queensland
exist for broader integration of drones is in providing a coordinated policy
in schools at a classroom level through landscape, balancing security and
teacher training, classroom resources safety concerns, privacy issues,
and access to affordable technology. CASA regulations and regulations
This work can be leveraged to target for water bodies, with an environment
Queensland’s drone industries, through that fosters industry development
existing STEM based initiatives in and job growth. Queensland has the
schools. There are a number of possible opportunity to be the first state in
ways that drone technology can be Australia to deliver an overarching
further integrated into the school strategy that addresses operational
curriculum, including: and privacy regulations and provides
a cohesive framework to support
• making drones—developing skills
industry investment.
in robotics, maths, electronics,
programing and perseverance, There are multiple opportunities for use
as well as hands on experience of drones by government operations,
queensland drones strategy 12with government agencies already can be developed and tested. From policy setting and ensure compliance
adopting the technology. Opportunities a disaster management perspective, with CASA guidelines.
for drones include: Queensland is well placed to be a
Queensland is already considered
• aerial mapping leader in drone development.
a leader in the consolidation and
• infrastructure assessment Queensland has identified existing accessibility of aerial and satellite
• natural resource management facilities that may be appropriate imagery data and its supporting digital
to upgrade to support the delivery infrastructure through our enabling
• disaster response and recovery
of RPAS test trial and evaluation services. legislative frameworks giving rise to the
• mapping sea beds The characteristics and topography State Remotely Sensed Image Library
• agriculture of our natural landscape, coastline and and online tools such as Queensland
• mining a favourable climate are advantageous Globe and QImagery. Under the state’s
for potential upgrading and development open data initiative, the most recent
• emergency services
of drone testing facilities. aerial photography from the state’s
• scientific research imagery program is available through
New drone technology, coupled with
• tourism Queensland Globe. This includes very
CASA’s responsive regulations, provides
• marketing and entertainment high resolution drone imagery captured
an opportunity for Queensland to be
over the remote Raine Island in the
• screen industry. a preferred location for drone testing.
Great Barrier Reef. Together, Queensland
For example, BLOS is an emerging
Globe and QImagery provide public
capability that CASA is considering
Insights in an ongoing review of Part 101.
The Queensland Government has
access to over half a petabyte of
spatial imagery data, highlighting the
importance of considered information
a role in providing facilities capable
What are the future opportunities management practices and enabling
of supporting the testing of this
for Queensland’s drone industry? frameworks.
technology, and assisting international
How can we capitalise on these companies to understand the evolving
opportunities?
case study
Queensland has the opportunity Mabel Park State High School—
to leverage existing relationships with
key industry players to establish a hub AVI30316 Certificate III in Aviation
for drone testing and development. This Mabel Park State High School has commenced a trial program for students
provides potential investment benefits to attain AVI30316 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot – Visual Line of Sight).
and may enable Queensland small The trial provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable employment skills
businesses, research organisations in an emerging industry with a nationally recognised qualification at no cost
and startups to participate in broader to the student or parents.
global industry opportunities, including
Following an application process, thirteen Year 11 students are participating
niche opportunities in national and
in the program including eight from Mabel Park State High and five from Woodridge
international supply chains.
State High. The trial program will run from Term 3 2017 to Term 4 2018 and is being
Global companies are seeking sites, delivered one day a week incorporating theory in the morning and flight practice on
both terrestrial and marine, to test the school oval in the afternoon. On completion, participating students will receive
drone technology, with particular eight Queensland Certificate of Education points towards their senior school
interest in large drone craft. qualification and possibly obtain an ReOC and RePL issued by CASA.
Queensland has a strong industry base
The program aims to provide participating students with a pathway
in agriculture, mining, marine industries
to a school‑based traineeship and future employment, as well as potential
and tourism where drone applications
opportunities for tertiary education.
queensland drones strategy 13Case studies
The UAV Challenge: The grant supported the inaugural
SheFlies Drone Day held in Cairns
RFDesign with the Tropical North Learning
The UAV Challenge, a joint partnership Academy Smithfield State High
between the Queensland University School, with students from Yorkeys
of Technology and the CSIRO, aims to Knob State School, Trinity Beach State
raise awareness and grow the civilian School, and Caravonica State School.
drone industry. The Queensland SheFlies will conduct drone days
Government was a founding partner and drone camps across Queensland
of the UAV Challenge in 2007 and has and nationally.
continued to support the challenge as
it has grown to an international event.
Over the past ten years, the challenge Advance Queensland—
has seen over 3000 people from more Platform Technology
than 20 countries actively take part
in a UAV Challenge team. Over 100 high
Program: Boeing
school teams and 500 school students Queensland is home to global
have participated, with the regional unmanned system companies such
towns of Kingaroy and Dalby hosting as Insitu Pacific, a wholly‑owned
these competitions. subsidiary of Boeing, specialising
in RPAS and UAVs. It is one of the few
Brisbane‑based company RFDesign organisations in Australia permitted
has developed a new data modem to conduct commercial RPAS operations
to facilitate long‑range communication beyond visual line of sight and
after discovering it was an issue for is a recognised leader in the safe and
many UAV Challenge participants. effective operations of RPAS within
RFDesign have now sold several commercial airspace. Boeing Defence
thousand modems worldwide, with Australia was awarded $1 million
customers including Boeing and NASA. through the Advance Queensland
Platform Technology Program and will
Advance Queensland— prototype, with support of Queensland
SMEs, a world-first advanced airspace
Engaging Science Grant: situational awareness system.
SheFlies and James Cook Through a number of trials throughout
University Queensland, Insitu Pacific has
In February 2017, the Queensland showcased the applicability of these
Government announced SheFlies unmanned systems to functions
was successful in attaining a such as bushfire monitoring, mining
$9980 Advance Queensland Engaging infrastructure inspection, noxious weed
Science grant to conduct drone lessons. detection, and cyclone damage surveys.
The program aims to encourage females Due to our significant agricultural sector,
in STEM‑related fields. SheFlies was Boeing’s developmental UAVs may have
founded by 2015 Queensland and further application for remote sensing
National Corporate Telstra Business and analysis for precision agriculture.
Woman of the Year and scientist
Dr Catherine Ball and James Cook
University Townsville science lecturer
Dr Karen Joyce.
queensland drones strategy 14Objectives, outcomes
and future actions
Our vision is that To support this vision there are
potentially five key objectives
Queensland is a to pursue:
world leader in drone • increasing capability
• improving government service
technology and delivery capability
application. Our drone • increasing research and
industry has strong development
• attracting new investment
investment and jobs
• developing and supporting
growth, supported community‑friendly drone policies.
by our world‑leading Desired outcomes of these objectives
research and and a number of actions to help achieve
the objectives are proposed.
development capability An overarching action will be to
and a highly skilled investigate establishing a system
workforce. Queensland and/or guidelines of zoning within
Queensland for different drone
is a place where drones applications. These ‘drone zones’
would aim to ensure that business,
complement and industry, academia, government and
enhance Queenslanders’ the community are clear on where,
when and for what drones can be
lives and support tested, researched and used. This will
our communities. help to facilitate all other actions and
support all the objectives of the strategy.
Insights
Does this approach help us to achieve
the vision for Queensland?
Will establishing ‘drone zones’
support all of the objectives?
queensland drones strategy 15Objective 1: Increasing capability Outcome: Industry, research and workforce capabilities are increased and industry development is fostered Potential actions How will the action support the objective? Investigate workforce transitioning and training The workforce has the required skills, and industry has an and development opportunities appropriately skilled workforce Investigate ways to build upon existing STEM programs Using drones to facilitate existing STEM programs, building in primary and secondary education specific drone capabilities in addition to broader skills Investigate options for linking in with universities Education and research supports industry development and educational institutions Identify and remove barriers and red tape for industry Industry can develop efficiently where appropriate Investigate options for increasing export opportunities Industry has the ability to fill niche global market segments Investigate opportunities to link with and commercialise Industry and research sectors benefit from each other’s research and development expertise and spillover effects arise Objective 2: Improving government service delivery capability Outcome: Drone technology is utilised for improved and more efficient government operations and service delivery Potential actions How will the action support the objective? Develop a Queensland Government Drones Policy to articulate the Clearly outline the Queensland Government is committed government’s preferred approach to the development of drone to developing drone capability operational capability, including elements such as procurement, training and safety Look for further opportunities to enhance services such as Service delivery is more efficient emergency management and primary industries for rural and remote communities Investigate ways to collaborate with industry, community and Service delivery is more efficient academia to share and develop new uses for drones Objective 3: Increasing research and development Outcome: Queensland develops world‑class research and development on drones and associated technology Potential actions How will the action support the objective? Look at opportunities for leveraging existing research and Increased research commercialisation making investment development between academia, industry and government in research more attractive Investigate opportunities for new research and development Provide more investment opportunities and generate opportunities, particularly in complementary industries and spillover benefits associated technologies Objective 4: Attracting national and international new investment Outcome: Queensland is a global hub for drones, associated technologies and applications Potential actions How will the action support the objective? Investigate options for attracting international drone companies Capitalise on the combined effect of associated companies, to set up operations in Queensland attracting international expertise and investment opportunities Ensure Queensland start-ups and SMEs are able to participate in Ensuring access to market opportunities to grow a strong global drone supply chains drone sector in Queensland Continue engaging with regulators on safety and regulatory Queensland is recognised as a centre for drone safety and requirements to facilitate further safe and reliable drone testing reliability in Queensland queensland drones strategy 16
Objective 5: Developing and supporting community-friendly drone policies
Outcome: Drones enhance people’s lives, individual rights are protected, important amenity and environmental values are
considered and people and communities are safer
Potential actions How will the action support the objective?
Investigate how to inform businesses of opportunities to take People have better access to services and products
advantage of commercial drones
Review relevant Queensland legislation and regulations and assess Protect individuals’ rights
whether these appropriately protect individuals’ rights to privacy
Identify potential opportunities to utilise drones to achieve safer Communities will be safer
communities by, for example, improving detection and response
to disaster events and emergency situations
Support safe recreational activities associated with drones People understand the boundaries and appropriate use
of drones
Insights
Are these objectives appropriate, is there potential for better objectives?
Do the outcomes support the objectives, are there outcomes that better support the objectives?
Do the actions support the outcomes and objectives?
What other actions would support the objectives?
queensland drones strategy 17Our progress to date
As outlined above, the Queensland Government is embracing drone technology.
However, consistent with other states and territories in Australia, we do not currently
have an overarching framework to align our activity. An overarching strategy aims to
ensure that government is working with industry in the most efficient and effective
way. Aligning our current activity under a common strategy helps government, industry
and the community better understand where Queensland’s ongoing opportunities are.
This also helps us to see where our strengths are, and where we can improve.
Department Action Strategy alignment
Department of State • Promotion at targeted trade shows ✓✓ Increasing capability
Development • Support of the UAV Challenge ✓✓ Increasing research and development
• RPAS test, trial and evaluation site study ✓✓ Developing and supporting drone
• Queensland Aerospace 10‑Year Roadmap friendly communities
and Action Plan ✓✓ Improving government service
delivery capability
✓✓ Attracting new investment
Department of • Collecting streamflow data ✓✓ Improving government service
Natural Resources • Preferred Supplier Panel arrangement for Acquisition delivery capability
and Mines and Provision of Spatial Imagery data via Remotely ✓✓ Increasing research and development
Piloted Aircraft Systems ✓✓ Increasing capability
• Capture of spatial imagery and elevation data in remote
locations such as Raine Island as part of the State
Imagery program
Department • Supporting the World of Drones Congress ✓✓ Increasing capability
of Science, • Advance Queensland funding ✓✓ Improving government service
Information delivery capability
Technology and
✓✓ Increasing research and development
Innovation
✓✓ Developing and supporting drone
friendly communities
✓✓ Attracting new investment
Department of • Established a Remote Piloted Aircraft – Training Advisory ✓✓ Increasing capability
Education and Group ✓✓ Developing and supporting drone
Training • Subsidised AVI30316 Certificate III in Aviation friendly communities
(Remote Pilot – Visual Line of Sight) and Aviation High ✓✓ Improving government service
trial delivery capability
• Development of a Use of Drones in Schools Policy
Department of • Monitoring compliance with environmental approvals ✓✓ Improving government service
Environment and delivery capability
Heritage Protections
Queensland Fire • Trial of drones ✓✓ Improving government service
and Emergency delivery capability
Services ✓✓ Increasing research and development
✓✓ Developing and supporting drone
friendly communities
queensland drones strategy 18You can also read
