Extra resources to fight invasive weeds have been allocated for the Armidale-based New England Weeds Authority. Last Friday, NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson was in Armidale to announce $1.1 million for nine projects across NSW from the NSW Weeds Action Programme.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said he was pleased the local weeds authority would receive $176,000 for a new aerial surveillance, thermal imaging and mapping project to combat weed infestation.
“The funding will certainly enhance [the authority’s] efforts in combating invasive weeds in the region,” Mr Marshall said.
The thermal imaging technology will help identify areas of new invasive weed outbreaks and help farmers and local councils better target control measures.
Weed authority chairwoman Maria Woods said the funding would help take regional weed inspection programmes to the next level.
“The advantages will be enormous, particularly in inaccessible and remote areas where traditional surveillance has been difficult.“This project will integrate new technology through the adaption of unmanned aircraft systems, thermal imaging of groundcover and existing mapping systems,” Ms Woods said.
“Our project could have significant ramifications for the whole state and change the way inspections are undertaken in the future.”
The New England Weeds Authority includes Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha Councils.
Source: The Armidale Express