Aerial pest control solution
Liberal MP Murray Cowper says remote control mini-helicopters may be the answer to fighting WA pests.
Mr Cowper is urging key WA government agencies to underwrite a trial of remote-controlled helicopter technology in the fight against noxious weeds, mosquitoes and other pests in WA.
About 60 invited guests from Government, farming, mining and aviation attended a demonstration of Yamaha's RMAX remote-controlled helicopter, which was organised by Mr Cowper and held at Fairbridge last week.
"Yamaha developed its RMAX technology over the past 30 years, after the Japanese Government issued grants to replace the spraying of rice paddies following a soaring death toll of helicopter pilots because of the mountainous terrain in Japan," Mr Cowper said.
He said a remote-control helicopter was ideal for the precision spraying of noxious weeds that were exploding out of control in the hilly terrain of the Darling Scarp.
Mr Cowper also said he was aware at least one WA government agency was conducting drone trials, in isolation, and presumably using taxpayer-funded research grants.
"I believe taxpayers would prefer to see this vital initial work done in partnership with private enterprise, using technology that continues to be developed by private enterprise," he said.
He said cotton bush, mosquitoes and blackberry infestations were at the top of a pest priority list needing urgent attention in the Peel and South West regions.
Ravenswood farmer Adam Ward, who attended the demonstration, questioned why it is left up to their local member alone to try to tackle the pest issue.
"I am surrounded by cotton bush on State land either side of me and I have to rip up around 700 plants each year," he said.
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