GPS station proposed for Derby
October 30, 2019
Hardmans Hill on Derby Back Road has been proposed as the location for new geo positioning satellite technology that will be used by Geoscience Australia.
Owners of the proposed site, Rosie and Alan Davenport were approached by the federal government about installing a global mobile satellite system (GMSS) base to provide more accurate GPS signal in the area.
Mr Davenport said Hardmans Hill was chosen as the preferred site because of the trig point.
“They wanted to find a property with a high point with a good view of surrounding farm land,” he said.
“They need a high, solid point to use as the base.”
The proposed infrastructure would be mostly underground with three and half metres above ground level.
This station is part of an Australia-wide upgrade of GPS technology which is used by people in their cars and phones as well for farming technology.
Mr Davenport said if approved, the development would be positive for locals.
“There would be community wide benefits with greater accuracy,” he said.
“Myself and other local farmers will benefit from having more accuracy in our tractors and things.
“On our farm at the moment we have our own fixed point UHF antenna but this will be much better than that and is supposed to be accurate within a few centimetres.”
The development application is currently with Dorset Council and is open for representations until November 7.