Queensland set to host world first Drones congress

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced Brisbane would host the world’s first Asia-Pacific congress on drone technologies in August. 

“I am please my Government will provide funding of $250,000 for the congress, which would cover topics such as the new drone economy, safety, smart cities, emergency response, and environment and conservation.

“As a regional leader in the application of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones, Brisbane is delighted to host the World of Drones Congress-this is a major coup for Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Queensland is a state of innovation, with drone-friendly policies attracting major industryplayers such as Japan’s Terra Drone, who chose Brisbane as their new base in the Asia Pacific region.

“My Government is committed to taking drone technologies to the next level and recently announced an investment of $1 million, as part of our $10 million Advance Queensland Platform Technology Program.

“The funding will develop and test cutting-edge RPAS technologies used to monitor infrastructure across critical industries including LNG, agriculture, mining, energy, telecommunications, and environmental management.”

Premier Palaszczuk said drones had a diverse range of applications, from the film industry to natural disaster preparation and recovery.

“Drones are already helping improve and, in the case of search and rescue, saving the lives of Queenslanders,” she said.

“This multidisciplinary conference will provide an ideal platform for business matching, industry development and commercialisation, positioning Queensland as an attractive investment destination.”

Minister for Innovation, Leeanne Enoch said there would be a schools Design a Drone competition, encouraging students to design a drone that addresses one of Queensland’s science challenges.

“Students could win a visit from the Drone Dream Team, a group of award winning scientists and engineers.

“The Design a Drone competition is a great way for students to get involved in this emerging billion dollar industry. I’d encourage schools to take up this first of its kind opportunity.”

Internationally renowned drone experts such as futurist Thomas Frey from the United States and industry leader Wei Pang from China are set to lead keynote addresses across the three-day conference.

“With China the largest manufacturer of drones, Shenzhen and Beijing are also behind this event and will be sending a cohort of companies to participate as exhibitors,” Ms Enoch said.

The Congress has been established to showcase the application of drone technologies across key industry and government sectors in the Asia–Pacific region.

Congress Convenor of the World of Drones Congress, Dr Catherine Ball said they have already received significant interest in the World of Drones Congress globally and expect to see the Queensland business community embrace this congress.

“Organisations like Amazon, Australia Post, Red Cross and Facebook are planning for a future where drone technology is part of day-to-day operations – the technology is here and the possibilities are endless for businesses willing to adopt a future-driven mindset,” Dr Ball said.

The Congress will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre between 31 August and 2 September 2017. It is expected delegations will come from Australia, China, United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Presented in four segments—conference, expo, tournament and outreach program—the Congress will attract international delegations from businesses to governments, investors to enthusiasts.

Registrations are now open at www.worldofdrones.com.au. Entries for the Design a Drone competition are welcome at https://queensland-design-a-drone-competition.thinkable.org/

The Congress is an initiative of AEG Ogden in partnership with Remote Research Ranges and Carillion Conference Management.

Media contact:

Premier’s Office: Susan McGrady 0488 996 667

Minister Enoch: Neil Doorley 0412 393 909