Latrobe City Council has raised the local manufacturing profile by attending the 2022 LAND FORCES International Land Defence Exposition last week.
The expo is one of the major defence conferences held annually for Australian and international industry, defence, academia and government bodies.
Council staff used the expo as an opportunity to speak with businesses, view industry exhibitions and attend networking opportunities to build Latrobe City’s profile.
A local project, GUS (Ground Unmanned System) was awarded Best Land Innovation Award for the Innovations Pitchfest on the last day of the conference.
Project GUS is a light remote vehicle fitted with an artificial intelligence camera and microphone to assess threats and detect gunshot and ecological noise. The system is also equipped with a radio repeater to extend communications locally and a small drone.
The project has been managed by Luke Townsend from Yinnar and lecturers from Federation University, Churchill.
Mayor of Latrobe City, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan said the LAND FORCES Expo was a great opportunity to highlight Latrobe’s manufacturing capabilities.
“Council was pleased to have the opportunity to attend the 2022 LAND FORCES Expo to highlight the strong manufacturing ability in Latrobe City. Defence Manufacturing is a major industry – expected to have a $55 billion investment this decade – that we hope to bring to our City as we continue through transition.
“These opportunities are vital to supporting future economic growth and our intention is to ensure Latrobe has an opportunity to build new jobs and career pathways in the industry.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in project GUS – it is incredible to see such technology being developed in our region. The recognition received with the Best Land Innovation Award is significant, we look forward to the opportunities that will come from the project,” said the Mayor.
Local engineering/manufacturing businesses interested in joining the Latrobe Valley Defence Alliance are encouraged to contact busdev@latrobe.vic.gov.au