Drones high on Kimberley think tank agenda

The uses of drones, carbon credits, animal production, and new lease agreements to promote diversification have been pitched to pastoralists during a three-day industry think tank in Broome.

The flying technology fitted with cameras and needing only one operator, was touted as a potential multi-use alternative for tasks including checking dam water levels and fencing.

Kimberley and Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association chairman Peter Camp said the machines had a lot of potential to cover vast areas while cutting costs.

Mr Camp, who owns and runs Kalyeeda Station between Derby and Fitzroy Crossing in the West Kimberley with wife Cheryl, believes it would be “some time” before drones were commissioned for mustering but said they could be good value on the maintenance front.

“As far as surveillance goes, they can fly up to 120km and could be used for checking pastures or water points and fencing, which would save pastoralists fuel and time as well as repairs and maintenance on vehicles,” he said.

“You can program them to take a certain flight path and take footage along with it. It is quite innovative stuff.”

From September 29, farmers will soon be able to operate remotely controlled aircraft up to 25kg on their properties without approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Mr Camp said the event included talks on animal production and explored opportunities in the carbon space subject to station records being kept up-to-date, including weaning rates and weaning weights.

“If they get those registered, they can then as they improve their efficiencies and sell carbon credits to bigger companies without having to actually take on any risk,” he said.

The event concluded with a talk from Lands Minister Terry Redman and Department of Lands on the potential benefits of rangelands leases instead of pastoral leases.

“A rangelands lease would give more flexibility in diversification but there are quite a few underlying issues that are not terribly favourable to the pastoral industry — the devil is in the detail,” Mr Camp said.

“It’s a good idea but it needs a lot more input from the pastoral industry working with the minister and the DoL to come up with a draft that’s workable and suitable to both parties.”

The recent launch of the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association was incorporated into the events in Broome, which were supported by Meat and Livestock Australia and the Shire of Broome.