GAWLER local Scott Copland presented South Australia’s first talk on drone safety and commercial application at the Gawler Business Innovation Hub this past fortnight.
The Jim’s Drones owner and chief pilot said drones are becoming more important in the world, and it’s vital people are aware of how to use them correctly.
“It’s really such an exciting time for drones,” Mr Copland said.
“In the promotional world, at the moment drones are really coming on strong and fast and they are experiencing expediential growth.
“It’s important that people are educated in safety of drones, ensuring that the operators are licenced and qualified.
“There is a lot of liability that comes with operating drones because, as you know, you can just go to JB-HI FI and buy a drone and put it up in the air without having any experience.
“The whole idea of the talk was to explain to the local people of Gawler what services are currently available, and the technology that is coming.”
Mr Copland said he chose Gawler as the place to give his presentation due to the centrality of its location.
“It (Gawler) is a large fruit bowl of different horticultural and agricultural innovation,” he said.
“The Barossa Valley is so close, with the Yorke Peninsula and the Clare Valley Region nearby as well as the Adelaide Plains.
“My focus is agriculture, so using drones to give farmers the upper hand.
“Growing up in Gawler as well and moving back here, you can see the benefits of what drone technology can bring to local industry, for employment and also economic revival.
“Especially with the big loss of Holden recently, drones could certainly play a part in ensuring that farmers are going to get more out of their crops than they have ever before.”