WITH the addition of a drone to their tool shed, Leeton Shire Council have embraced emerging technology.
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Council’s innovation fund helped facilitate the purchase by encouraging council employees to think outside the box.
At around 500mm from end to end the aircraft is not to be underestimated.
Capable of around a 20 minute flight time on a single battery it can offer a bird’s eye view at will for the council to better manage their time and reduce costs.
It is fitted with an HD camera on a gimbal and can give the council a bird’s eye view of a structure or property.
The gimbal mount automatically adjusts the aim of the camera to compensate for wind and movement of the drone and will keep the camera on target.
In addition to the complex camera mount, the little aircraft has more tricks up it’s sleeve.
With an array of on-board sensors ranging from GPS receivers to barometric sensors, the platform is incredibly stable.
The current use for the little drone will aid in surveying shire properties and structures like the golf course and to conduct reservoir inspections.
In minutes the aircraft can survey a property and assist in assessing maintenance needs.
Council drone pilot Kai Attree feels it’s incredibly simple to operate and will aid in his duties of surveying the golf course and reservoir.
A process that could have required hours and is expected to save the council time and money.
Mr. Attree is one of three trained UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) pilots working for council.
“It’s been relatively easy to use and it’s fairly straight forward and it’s got a fair amount of safety factored in it,” Mr. Attree said.
“It allows not having to pull out ladders and climb up 20 meters to the top of reservoirs.”
Flown in strict accordance with CASA rules and regulations, the shire expect the use of the little aircraft to continue to expand in the future.