Images courtesy of MSS Security and Lower Eyre Council
Over the next 12 months, a state-of-the-art drone surveillance trial is taking place in SA, making it the first location in Australia to trial this technology. The Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations are part of a nationally significant step forward in regional airport safety, and it’s all happening right on the Eyre Peninsula at the Port Lincoln Airport.
Thanks to a partnership between the Lower Eyre Council and security provider, MSS Security, and with the green light from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), a new era of aviation technology has officially landed. The trial brings cutting-edge security to Port Lincoln Airport, using remotely operated drones flown all the way from MSS Security’s high-tech Remote Operations Centre in Melbourne.
This isn’t just your average drone, it’s fitted with thermal and infrared cameras, spotlights, and a loudspeaker, making it ideal for nighttime patrols. The drones can fly over the airport’s perimeter and car parks, detecting anything out of the ordinary. If something’s spotted, the team back in Melbourne can instantly respond and coordinate with local staff on the ground.
Mayor Jo-Anne Quigley shared, “Council is always looking for ways to improve community safety, and this innovative use of technology demonstrates how surveillance can be increased in a cost-effective manner. Aviation is a highly regulated, controlled environment, and I commend MSS on their diligent approach to making this trial possible.”
MSS Security’s Managing Director Geoff Alcock added, “MSS Security is proud to be the security solutions partner to Lower Eyre Council and Port Lincoln Airport and are delighted to be able to extend our relationship beyond the traditional screening and security services normally associated with Airports. We absolutely commend the Council and Port Lincoln Airport for their foresight and willingness to embrace new technologies and solutions such as the MSS Drone surveillance service.”
Running over the next 12 months, the trial will act as a national test case for the use of BVLOS drone surveillance across Australia. If it’s successful, it could pave the way for a new fleet of eyes in the sky watching over regional airports, and may even spark the conversation for drone tech use in public safety and environmental monitoring.
We’ll be watching with interest as the Port Lincoln drone trial unfolds. But for now, if you’re flying out of the Eyre, rest assured that there’s an extra layer of security keeping watch and keeping your journeys safe.
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