Sphere Drones has been awarded a tender by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to supply its innovative HubX drone-in-a-box systems under the state government’s $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program.
This tender win strengthens Sphere Drones’ growing reputation in public safety and environmental management technology, following its recent success with the Western Australian Police Force’s Drones as First Responder (DFR) program.
The HubX system offers a fully integrated, off-grid, turn-key solution designed for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, making it ideal for monitoring remote and rugged areas, the company said in a news release.
Mounted on a 4WD-capable trailer, HubX enables seamless drone deployments in challenging environments. Initial deployments will take place across key national park locations, including Yirraldiya, Tugalong, Nattai, Yathong, and Kosciuszko National Parks, allowing NPWS to monitor critical areas from a central control centre.
According to Sphere Drones, the system will enhance NPWS’s ability to manage natural hazards, preserve biodiversity, and protect feral-free zones.
Sphere Drones has worked closely with NPWS, particularly with Chief Remote Pilot (CRP) Gareth Pickford, to navigate BVLOS approvals and operational requirements. NPWS is expected to finalise these approvals shortly.
Paris Cockinos, CEO of Sphere Drones, expressed pride in the partnership: “We’re proud to partner with NPWS to safeguard some of the most ecologically important regions in New South Wales. HubX’s innovative technology will allow NPWS to deploy drones quickly in remote areas, boosting their capability to monitor high-risk zones, prevent bushfires, and conserve endangered wildlife.”
He continued, “Following our success with WA Police, this win reinforces our commitment to providing practical, impactful solutions for public safety and environmental conservation across Australia.”
The NSW Natural Hazards Technology Program, running from January 2024 to June 2025, includes a 12-month pilot phase during which HubX will be tested under real-world conditions.
Sphere Drones will collaborate with Forestry Corporation NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority to maximise the impact of the HubX system across different sectors, enhancing public safety and environmental protection.
The HubX system provides several operational benefits, including:
- Faster response times to natural hazards such as bushfires through real-time aerial monitoring.
- Improved conservation efforts by equipping NPWS with advanced tools to safeguard biodiversity.
- Enhanced operational efficiency in remote areas, allowing NPWS to monitor vast landscapes with fewer resources.
This consecutive success with public safety and environmental management programs highlights Sphere Drones’ ability to deliver cutting-edge drone solutions that improve operational efficiency and environmental protection for government agencies across Australia.
For more information about Sphere Drones and its innovative drone solutions, visit Sphere Drones Australia.
