DRONES could play a key role in further boosting Ipswich’s status as a Smart City.
Drones are set to fly over the tops of Council buildings and under and around bridges, taking high definition photos and thermal imagery from spots where it’s difficult for a human to access.
From the data and images obtained from a variety of cameras, the condition of Council assets can be assessed such as identifying cracks or movement in bridges or rust spots in building roofs and gutters which can be quickly fixed.
There are multiple areas which have been identified, where the use of drones could bring immediate benefit.
Some of the key benefit areas include asset management, disaster management, surveying of landfill and quarries, marketing and tourism, vegetation and pest management, and in the future, compliance. All these areas for drone use have been identified where operational savings and efficiencies could be achieved.
For example, in the instance of a disaster, drones could fly over flooded areas which are dangerous for SES volunteers to enter. This would help determine where there were safe passageways.
At quarry sites, drones could help with volumetric surveys to provide more accurate information of volumes of material being excavated.
Flyovers of conservation estates and other tourist spots would help further promote the attractiveness of the Ipswich region to a growing tourism market.
Drones would be able to monitor over time, the success of weed management programs, and map the growth of revegetation areas.
Ipswich mayor and Works, Parks and Sports committee chairman Andrew Antoniolli said the drone program was one of 10 Smart City initiatives currently underway.
“The recently awarded panel of providers tender called for service providers in different categories including specific drone services and partnership arrangements.
“The reason for these options was to enable the engagement of providers based on specific areas of expertise and the ability to train council staff in drone operations.
“The pre-qualified suppliers’ contract commences in January 2018 for a period of three years with two one year options.”
The following companies were successful as pre-qualified suppliers of remotely piloted systems and solutions:
Partial service: FYFE, Ninox, RPS Australia, BJ North, Terramap Pty Ltd. Partnership: Australian UAV, Aerial Drones Solutions, Airborn Insight, Grenof Water, V-TOL Aerospace, InSky and National Drones.