Global technology giant Alphabet will have its Wing autonomous drone delivery service operating in Queensland this year.
Queenslanders will be among the first in the world to have the drone delivery service, says innovation minister Kate Jones.
It follows 80,000 test flights around the world, including initial test flights in rural Queensland in 2014, Wing starting in Canberra in April this year.
Deliveries of items up to 1.5kg are expected to be made in Logan later this year.
The new service will create jobs for drone pilots in Queensland, Jones says.
“That’s why we’re partnering with Wing today to make sure that we lead the way when it comes to capitalising on the opportunities provided by technological advancements in drone technology.
“Already we have some of the world leaders in drone tech and we’re investing more in this space than any other government in the country.”
Jones says the Palaszczuk Government launched Australia’s first Drone Strategy last year, complementing the work it had done through Advance Queensland to take advantage of new and emerging technologies.
“We are already leading the way in drone technology across a number of industries, including defence, agriculture, mining and manufacturing,” she says.
“Wing has the potential to shift the gear again in the use of drone technology for transportation by increasing access to goods, easing traffic congestion and helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”
During a trade mission to the United States in June, Jones met Wing representatives to explore opportunities in Queensland.
“Queensland has staked out a leadership position in the advancement of drone technology and some of the most significant drone developments in the world are happening here,” Wing Australian operations head Terrance Bouldin-Johnson says.
“Wing allows customers to order a range of items such as fresh bread, hot coffee or food items on our mobile app, and have them delivered directly to their homes by drone in minutes.”
Logan City Council strategy and sustainability director David Hansen says Logan is undergoing rapid change as it embraces technology and innovation with an increasing number of tech giants and start-ups looking at Logan as a place to set up and expand their businesses.
“Council has launched an array of smart strategies and programs designed at empowering entrepreneurs, innovators and businesses to create economic and social benefits for the community,” he says.
“We’re looking forward to working with Wing through the development application and community engagement processes.”
