Queensland farmers can now use drones to spray crops after the State Government amended legislation to embrace the latest technology.
Cotton Australia general manager Michael Murray said only time would tell how useful drone technology could become to the industry.
“It’s an innovation that I’m sure the industry will explore into the future,” he said.
“Whether it’s got a practical application yet for broadacre farming, I guess that remains to be seen.”
Acting Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said the changes would give Queensland producers access to the most innovative aerial spraying technology available.
“The improvements to the legislation provide Queensland producers with cost effective options for crop protection,” Mr Byrne said.
“This technology will be especially useful for chemical application in areas with limited access or difficult terrain.
“This includes cropping situations as well as spraying weeds or pests where conventional ground-based technology or aerial application is unsuitable for the situation.
“Where conventional equipment cannot be used, spraying from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represents a safe and effective option.
“I believe it is important to harness new and emerging technologies where possible and make them available to our producers, to provide new and improved ways to operate”
Mr Byrne said it was important to put safeguards in place to ensure drones are used safely and responsibly, including proper licensing.