By JO HARRISON
INTEGRATED aerial surveillance, thermal imaging and a mapping pilot program will combine to fight the spread of noxious weeds across the Northern Tablelands.
The program by the Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee – New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) is one of nine projects to share in $1.1 million as part of the NSW Government’s weed innovation management fund recently announced by the Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson at Charleston Willows Recreation Area in Armidale.
“Specialised equipment will be deployed over the New England area as part of a major aerial thermal imaging and mapping pilot project,” Katrina Hodgkinson said.
“The thermal imaging technology will help identify areas of new invasive weed outbreaks and help farmers and weed Authorities better target control measures.”
Local member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall welcomed the funding of $176,000 for the new technology and said the development of a new smart phone app for farmers and weed managers will also be beneficial.
“The app will give people access to the popular ‘Noxious and environmental weed control handbook’ and the latest information on weed management, weed identification and herbicide resistance,” Mr Marshall said.
NEWA Chairman Cr Maria Woods said the funding would help take regional weed inspection programs to the next level.
“This project will integrate new technology through the adaption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thermal imaging of groundcover and existing mapping systems,” Cr Woods said.
“The advantages will be enormous, particularly in inaccessible and remote areas where traditional surveillance has been difficult. Our project could have significant ramifications for the whole state and change the way inspections are undertaken in the future.”
