The country’s aviation services reach a new frontier with the Government’s release of the National Emerging Aviation Technologies (NEAT) Policy Statement.
The NEAT Policy Statement is part of the new Digital Economy Strategy and it sets guidelines on how individuals and businesses can be supported to harness the opportunities offered by digital aviation technologies such as drones, advanced air mobility (AAM) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government was committed to maintaining Australia’s status as a world leader in the development and adoption of emerging aviation technologies.
“Growth in the use of drones and eVTOL in Australia is estimated to support more than 5,000 jobs and a $14.5 billion increase in GDP over the next 20 years – of which $4.4 billion would be in regional areas across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria,” Deputy Prime Minister McCormack said.
“The Government is working closely with industry and communities to build a first-class aviation technology sector that is innovative, safe and considerate of local environments and needs.”
As part of the NEAT Policy Statement, the Government will invest $35.7 million to establish the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program. This program is said to include a Drone Rule Management System and Drone Detection Network.
The program will establish strategic partnerships with the industry to support aviation manufacturing jobs. It will also encourage the adoption of emerging aviation technologies to address community needs.
The program under the NEAT Policy Statement will also develop frameworks for the Drone Rules Management System to coordinate operating rules on drones across all levels of government and the National Drone Detection Network.
“These partnerships will trial new service delivery models, such as using AAM to create regional passenger and cargo links, providing benefit for regional communities and their economies while also increasing business efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions through new technology,” Deputy Prime Minister McCormack said.
A comprehensive report released by the Australian Government in November last year revealed that drones will have a significant potential to boost the nation’s economy while creating thousands of jobs.
Deputy Prime Minister McCormack said many drone opportunities are already being explored and that innovative applications for drones across Australian industries should be supported in order to unlock the potential economic development and job growth it can provide.
The announcement of the NEAT Policy Statement is just the latest example of the Government’s commitment to ensuring the strength of Australia’s aviation sector.