Canberra outlines its vision for drones

By on 12 May, 2021
A scale model of a vertical take-off air taxi

Image courtesy Alex Butterfield/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Drones, advanced air mobility (AAM) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are at the heart of the federal government’s new National Emerging Aviation Technologies (NEAT) Policy Statement.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, said the government wants to help Australia remain at the forefront of development and adoption of emerging aviation technologies.

“Growth in the use of drones and eVTOL  in Australia is estimated to support more than 5,000 jobs and a $14.5 billion increase in GDP over the next 20 years — of which $4.4 billion would be in regional areas across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“As part of the NEAT Policy Statement, the Government is investing $35.7 million to establish the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program, including a Drone Rule Management System and Drone Detection Network.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said the program “will establish strategic partnerships with industry to support aviation manufacturing jobs and encourage adoption of emerging aviation technologies to address community needs, particularly in regional Australia”.

“These partnerships will trial new service delivery models, such as using AAM to create regional passenger and cargo links, providing benefit for regional communities and their economies while also increasing business efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions through new technology.”

“We are in a unique position as a nation to grasp the benefits of drones with both hands, to further bolster our economy, create jobs, support service delivery and back stronger communities.”

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