Rotary gets drone expo ready for takeoff

THE Combined Rotary Clubs of Geelong are plotting a flight path for a drone expo next year, and are keen to hear from anyone who would like to take part.

The Geelong Drone Expo, scheduled to take place at Beckley Park on May 21, 2023, is intended to be an exciting and new event for the Geelong region, and to appeal to both novice and experienced drone operators.

Expo organisers are describing it as “a whole day of networking, family fun and learning”.

As well as learning about drones, attendees can watch champion drone racing, and take part in a market and swap meet.

Drones are expected to be a considerable growth industry in Australia in coming years. A Deloitte Access Economics report found drones had significant potential to boost the Australian economy and its regions over the next two decades, with modelling suggesting the positive impact on Australian GDP could range from $9.4 billion to $20.7 billion.

“This is through both the growth of the drone industry itself and the cost savings and broader productivity benefits uptake of this technology and use of its services could generate for a range of sectors in the nation,” the report stated.

Commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications in 2020, the report identified passenger transport, e-commerce and deliveries, government and community services, agriculture, mining and resources, and defence as compelling uses for drones.

All proceeds from the Geelong Drone Expo will go towards projects to relieve housing stress in the greater Geelong area, which is estimated to affect nearly 10,000 households (or 10 per cent of the municipality’s population) in Geelong, with another third (6,811 households) in rental stress.

“We would welcome discussions with interested businesses and volunteers,” expo organisers said.

For more information and the latest updates, head to geelongdronexpo.com.au