Published Friday, 11 July, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Get set for an invasion of Kingaroy skies
Kingaroy, get ready to be invaded – by robotic aeroplanes that is; and all in the name of the annual UAV (Unmanned Airborne Vehicles) Challenge.
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle said the international competition was a chance for anyone, from high school students to retirees, to put their pilotless aircraft through the rigours of the UAV Challenge – Outback Rescue.
“This year’s competition is set to attract high school and university students and enthusiasts who have designed and built their own robotic aeroplanes,” Ms Boyle said.
“Participants are expected to mount an outback rescue mission, in which they deliver emergency supplies to someone lost in the bush within a tight time frame.”
UAVs are aircraft without an onboard pilot that can either be remote-controlled or flown autonomously based on a pre-programmed flight plan.
“Not only will the winners be walking away with up to $70,000 in prize money, but Kingaroy will come away as a winner as well, with the Regional Council working with the Queensland Government to develop Kingaroy as a world class UAV testing and training centre,” Ms Boyle said.
Hosted by South Burnett Regional Council and to be held at Kingaroy Airport on September 22-23, the challenge was designed to develop and expand the civil use of UAVs.
“Currently we use UAVs for things such as monitoring our expansive coastline, similar to that of a Coast Guard,” Ms Boyle said.
South Burnett Mayor David Carter said he was looking forward to the upcoming Challenge.
“Last year it was good to see so many young people taking an active interest in UAVs by participating in the challenge,” Mr Carter said.
“Their motivation, creativity and enthusiasm is infectious, helping to drive the development of the industry.
“They are the future, and by providing them with this opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills. Queensland will only benefit, assisting the State to emerge as a major player in the development of this industry,” he said.
The UAV Challenge is a joint initiative between the Queensland Government, the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA, a partnership between QUT and CSIRO) and Boeing Australia Limited.
For further information on the UAV Challenge – Outback Rescue visit www.uavoutbackchallenge.com.au
Media contact:
Marcus Taylor 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Kirstie Maier 3224 2007 or 0448 135 195
11 July, 2008
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle said the international competition was a chance for anyone, from high school students to retirees, to put their pilotless aircraft through the rigours of the UAV Challenge – Outback Rescue.
“This year’s competition is set to attract high school and university students and enthusiasts who have designed and built their own robotic aeroplanes,” Ms Boyle said.
“Participants are expected to mount an outback rescue mission, in which they deliver emergency supplies to someone lost in the bush within a tight time frame.”
UAVs are aircraft without an onboard pilot that can either be remote-controlled or flown autonomously based on a pre-programmed flight plan.
“Not only will the winners be walking away with up to $70,000 in prize money, but Kingaroy will come away as a winner as well, with the Regional Council working with the Queensland Government to develop Kingaroy as a world class UAV testing and training centre,” Ms Boyle said.
Hosted by South Burnett Regional Council and to be held at Kingaroy Airport on September 22-23, the challenge was designed to develop and expand the civil use of UAVs.
“Currently we use UAVs for things such as monitoring our expansive coastline, similar to that of a Coast Guard,” Ms Boyle said.
South Burnett Mayor David Carter said he was looking forward to the upcoming Challenge.
“Last year it was good to see so many young people taking an active interest in UAVs by participating in the challenge,” Mr Carter said.
“Their motivation, creativity and enthusiasm is infectious, helping to drive the development of the industry.
“They are the future, and by providing them with this opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills. Queensland will only benefit, assisting the State to emerge as a major player in the development of this industry,” he said.
The UAV Challenge is a joint initiative between the Queensland Government, the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA, a partnership between QUT and CSIRO) and Boeing Australia Limited.
For further information on the UAV Challenge – Outback Rescue visit www.uavoutbackchallenge.com.au
Media contact:
Marcus Taylor 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Kirstie Maier 3224 2007 or 0448 135 195
11 July, 2008