Pilbara set for drone revolution with proposed Wedgetail Aerospace hub for Karratha

Pilbara residents could soon see urgent medical supplies delivered via drone as a trailblazing Australian company seeks to establish a drone hub in the region. The Pilbara drone operational hub, touted by Wedgetail Aerospace, would see large-scale “heavy” drones operate from a secure facility within the Pilbara. The drones would help deliver time-sensitive cargo such as medicine, assist in surveillance operations, and help search and rescue missions around the region. Speaking at the City of Karratha business briefing on September 6, Wedgetail Aerospace chief operating officer Dominic Letts said the drone hub would help government, industry and community members. “Downtime (at mine sites) is costing these mining companies between $100,000 and $500,000 per hour,” he said. “If drones can be utilised to more quickly deliver the critical parts and materials to resolve this downtime then savings are to be had.” Mr Letts said the Pilbara’s unique landscape, combined with its industry prowess, provided the perfect ground for a project he hoped would spur similar hubs around the world. “It has iconic natural land and maritime environments, it has remote and significantly displaced communities … has a low air and ground risk which makes it easier for regulators to approve drone operation.” Mr Letts said the company had been in discussion with Karratha Airport for a suitable parcel of land for the hub. In April, the company applied for funding from the City of Karratha to the tune of $121,000, representing about 50 per cent of the proof of concept cost. However in June, guided by officer recommendations, councillors chose to provide only $60,000 for the completion of the proof of concept. “This equates to approximately 25 per cent of the PoC project cost and while less than requested, represents a genuine desire by the City to support the further advancement and use of drone technology,” the officer’s recommendation said. “Should the PoC lead to the establishment of a drone hub in Karratha, economic benefits will be realised through the creation of employment opportunities, and a reduction in the cost of doing business for existing local industry.” As part of the PoC stage, the company must now identify appropriate land for the hub and movement corridors for the drones. They must also seek approval from a number of authorities, including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. In 2022, Wedgetail received a share of $18 million in funding from the Federal Government under the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program. The company is expected to showcase its technology at the Pilbara Summit on October 10-11.