Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has welcomed innovative changes to legislation which will allow farmers to use drones to spray crops.
Mr Bennett said the use of drones to spray crops was now possible after amendments were made to the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966.
He said the innovative changes would enable the state’s producers to access ground-breaking aerial spraying technology which would provide safe, cost-effective alternatives to crop protection.
“We are seeing a rising number of producers, including producers in the Bundaberg and Burnett region, embrace new technology to make their job easier and operate more economically in the long-run,” Mr Bennett said.
“This form of technology is particularly advantageous for producers when administering chemicals around challenging terrain.”
Mr Bennett urged producers to familiarise themselves with the regulations in place to ensure the safe and responsible use of drones.
“Producers and contractors using this technology will of course need to comply with safety regulations, including adhering to label instructions when applying the chemicals, and ensuring the UAV spraying activities are strictly operated by pilots authorised by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.”
For more information contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
10 November 2016