Page 17 - Demo

National Farmers Federation 2022 Conference - Sustaining the Nation
Environmental Policy
by KIRSTY COOPER
Hades robot being put through its paces under a vehicle. Photo: Techmatics
Robots in biosecurity trial
FIVE remote-con- trolled robots are being tested in a series of biosecurity inspec- tions, to find out if they can identify bio- security risks on im- ported cargo, and if they can do it more effectively and safely.
and heavy agricultural machinery,” Minister Littleproud said.
risks for officers,” Min- ister Littleproud said.
Minister for Agricul- ture and Northern Aus- tralia David Littleproud said the Hades-5Z robot units were part of an exciting $64,000 pilot program funded by the government’s Bio- security Innovation Program.
“The units are fitted with high definition and thermal imaging cam- eras.
“It’s hoped that using robots will reduce the safety risk to officers.
“The robots will be put through their paces by biosecurity officers during controlled onsite inspections using im- ported freight such as sea containers, vehicles
Live footage of the cargo underside can be viewed by officers on monitors.
“Their manoeuvra- bility across a range of surfaces will also be surveyed.
“The trial will take place at post-entry sites in Adelaide, Fremantle, Darwin and Brisbane and are being run in collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries.
“At the moment, sea containers require hoisting to carry out in- spections and officers are required to inspect underneath heavy agri- cultural machinery and used vehicles.
“They’re very slim- line so they can be sent in underneath consign- ments.”
“The robots will be tested on wharves and ports during hot and cold temperatures and high humidity.
“These four-wheel- drive robots have the potential to signifi- cantly reduce work- place health and safety
“Hades-5Z will not re- place valued staff – they are an additional tool to help us keep Australia safe.”
AUSTRALIAN Pork Limited was well rep- resented at the National Farmers Federation con- ference held in Canberra on April 4-5.
Panels convened under the environment theme explored climate change, ecosystem services – nat- ural capital, biodiversity and carbon – and new technologies needed to support the measurement and monitoring of these new assets.
Chief executive officer Margo Andrae, Board chair Andrew Baxter, policy director Heidi Reid and environmental policy manager Kirsty Cooper attended to listen to a di- verse range of speakers discuss how agriculture will sustain Australia’s communities, economy and natural environment to 2030 and beyond.
many challenges faced by agriculture in recent years – with drought, flood, fires and COVID – and concluded that the current strength of the industry with an $80 billion value is likely to face further fluctuations but ultimately achieve its target by 2030.
explored across the two days.
Workforce, access to health and housing, and growing interest in social licence were discussed in the community panel.
It was pleasing to see that the key priorities of biosecurity and work- force, sustainability and industry resilience identi- fied by the pork industry were highlighted in pres- entations from Prime Minister the Honourable Scott Morrison MP, leader of the opposition Anthony Albanese MP, Agriculture Minister the Hon David Littleproud MP and Shadow Minister for Ag- riculture Julie Collins.
Under the economic theme, panel sessions on supporting international trade, regionalisation and what the post-COVID economy will bring pro- vided a mostly positive outlook for agriculture – noting that transparency and traceability will be increasingly important.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud speaks at the National Farmers Federation conference. Photo: NFF
The insights and discus- sions during the confer- ence confirmed the value of APL taking a leader- ship role and engaging in cross-commodity coordi- nation in key policy areas, and working collabora- tively with government to ensure appropriate programs and support are in place to meet industry needs.
They were also identi- fied as key priorities to ensuring that the industry can reach the target of $100 billion value by 2030.
Biosecurity and sustaina- bility credentials were also emphasised as essential in maintaining and growing access to international markets.
The panel session on whether Australian agri- culture will meet its $100 billion target discussed the
Key conference themes of economy, environment and community were
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Australian Pork Newspaper, May 2022 – Page 17