The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has tested advanced detector technology to identify biosecurity risk material and hitchhiker pests. The Cyclops-2 prototype is a new wand-like camera-pole device being trialled in Melbourne to determine if it is fit-for-purpose for wider biosecurity operations.
It has been produced by Christchurch-based Techmatics NZ, who are manufacturers of confined space robots, pole cameras and solutions to crawl space inspection problems.
Justine Saunders, Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance at DAFF, said the pilot aims to make biosecurity officers’ jobs easier and safer. “If successful, the wand could unlock a digital, efficient and safe way for officers to check hard-to-reach areas, such as the top of shipping containers or underneath large machinery,” Ms Saunders said.
“Currently inspections are very labour intensive involving non-digital equipment. This technology can safeguard the safety and wellbeing of hardworking officers who serve on the frontlines of our nation’s biosecurity.
“What’s more, with their enhanced digital functionality, these wands could also increase our risk detection capabilities and better protect Australia’s agriculture sector from hitchhiker pests. Using readymade off-the-shelf technology is a cost-effective solution to enhance the Australia’s biosecurity.”
At DAFF’s request, Techmatics NZ has enhanced the Cyclops-2 inspection kit with a motorised function for camera tilting, removable batteries for longer usage and a support harness to steady the wand during inspection sessions.
Innovation pilot projects like this one leverage government-industry collaboration to better tackle biosecurity challenges in the field. They aim to deliver outcomes for the National Biosecurity Strategy to build a future-focused biosecurity system that is effective and efficient.
Hitchhiker pests are pests that can ‘hitch a ride’ to Australia within or on shipping containers, imported goods and other forms of transportation. They are not native to Australia.
Australia is currently free of some of the most serious hitchhiker pests in the world and we want to keep it that way.
However, the risk of hitchhiker pests entering Australia is increasing. They are spreading around the world and are being found in increasing numbers on or within sea containers and imported goods.
DAFF’s Hitchhiker Pest Program aims to address the risk of hitchhiker pests that can be carried via sea containers, their cargoes and associated packaging.
See our recent related article WSC 2024 Report on Container Pests.
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