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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-05-14 Daily Xml
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Landing Pad Program

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:42): My question is directed to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Will the minister provide an update to the council about the South Australian Landing Pad program?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (14:42): I thank the honourable member for his ongoing interest in the Landing Pad program. I am pleased once again to update the council about our Landing Pad program. South Australia's reputation for excellence in defence industries, cybersecurity and machine learning, connectivity and robotics continues to grow with more companies than ever choosing South Australia to grow their businesses.

It's the reputation for excellence that has attracted the latest Landing Pad recipient, Lux Aerobot. Lux is a pioneering space robotics company now operating out of Stone and Chalk at Lot Fourteen. The company builds stratospheric balloons that are released into the atmosphere between 15 kilometres and 45 kilometres, which is too low for larger satellites, too high for aircraft, and an area of the sky that is cleared too rapidly by rockets. These balloon satellites are fitted with cameras that capture high-resolution aerial photos that can be transmitted in real time.

This world-first technology—and I reiterate, world-first technology here in Adelaide—is operating right here in South Australia. The technology has significant implications for several existing sectors such as mining and energy, and agriculture and defence. Lux is already working with South Australian mining companies to build a digital twin of their mining operations. This technology helps head off potential issues before they occur. The company is also working with industry to assist with bushfire monitoring during the warmer months.

Having the national Space Agency and Mission Control Centre located at Lot Fourteen has helped us to highlight South Australia's capabilities within the space sector. As a result, we are seeing more companies like Lux set up in Adelaide, strengthening the economy, creating jobs and collaboration opportunities. Lux said that as a result of the Landing Pad program they have been able to employ three new team members and will look to double the Adelaide team within six months. As members would know, the South Australian Landing Pad offers up to $80,000 to assist new companies to make their first investment either in Adelaide or South Australia, or even the Asia-Pacific region. I welcome Lux to Lot Fourteen and look forward to seeing their continued success over the coming years.

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