Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Council today to open the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct’s Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport, marking another significant step in the region’s emergence as a hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research, development and innovation.
Funded by the Victorian Government and Latrobe City Council and delivered by Yarra Drones, the facility will support the testing and development of new aviation technologies and strengthen Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct’s role as a leading centre for aviation innovation.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, said the command centre was an important investment in the future of aviation and technology in Latrobe City.
“This new command centre strengthens Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct’s position as a leading site for AAM research and development in Victoria,” Cr Gibson said.
“The Precinct is the first of its kind in Australia, bringing together the facilities and expertise needed to develop, test and bring new aviation technologies to market.
“It puts Latrobe City in a strong position to attract investment, support innovation and create new opportunities for our community.
“This isn’t just about aviation. It’s also an opportunity to grow manufacturing, attract new businesses and create more skilled jobs here in Latrobe City.
“Attracting new industries and growing our manufacturing sector will help diversify our economy and create more opportunities for local people into the future.
“The facility will support industry, researchers and innovators as they explore new aviation technologies and opportunities, helping to keep Latrobe City at the forefront of this growing industry.”
Ravi Murty, Founder and Chief Remote Pilot of Yarra Drones said the command centre was an important step in building the infrastructure needed to safely test, demonstrate and scale emerging uncrewed aviation technologies.
“Yarra Drones is proud to have worked with Latrobe City Council to design and deliver the Command Centre, bringing together remote operations, digital airspace management and flight-testing capabilities in a real-world environment,” Mr Murty said.
“When scaled to its full operational capability, the Command Centre will be the first facility of its kind in Australia, providing industry with a unique environment to develop and demonstrate the next generation of uncrewed aviation. Establishing this capability at Latrobe Regional Airport will support industry innovation while positioning the region to play an important role in the future of advanced aviation.”
Edward Barraclough, Founder and CEO of Drone-Hand Inc and current Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct member, echoed the sentiment.
“The Flight Test Range Command Centre is an important piece of infrastructure for both the Latrobe Valley and Australia’s emerging uncrewed aviation industry. Having this capability here gives companies like Drone-Hand a place to develop, test and demonstrate advanced autonomous aircraft and technologies in a real operational environment, helping turn innovation into commercially deployable solutions,” Mr Barraclough said.
“For Latrobe, it’s also an opportunity to build genuine capability around a growing industry – attracting companies, investment and skilled jobs to the region rather than simply providing somewhere to conduct flight testing.”
Cr Gibson thanked the Victorian Government for its support of the project.
“Council is grateful for the Victorian Government’s investment in this project. Partnerships like this create new opportunities for innovation, research and economic growth across our region,” Cr Gibson said.
“The command centre will help attract investment and support new jobs, skills and industries right here in Latrobe City.”
The command centre will help attract businesses from Australia’s growing drone industry which, according to a Deloitte Access Economics report, is expected to contribute $14.5 billion to the national economy and create more than 5500 jobs each year.
Published 17 September 2026.
