Minister Macfarlane applauds Australian innovation at meeting of world satellite operators

15 June 2015

Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane

Minster Macfarlane officially opens
international meeting of Landsat
Satellite Co-operators

Science innovation and water security were highlights today as the Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane officially opened proceedings at the annual international meeting of Landsat Satellite Co-operators being held in Canberra.

Leading scientists from 19 nations are meeting to share strategies for using an unbroken thirty-six year view of planet Earth to address challenges both in Australia and across the globe. Representatives will collaborate as a global group to ensure the greatest possible benefit from Landsat satellites to all countries.

"The Government's participation in forums like this help exhibit Australian science and innovation to the world and provides opportunities for Australia's digital industries to enter the global space marketplace.

"For example, Australia's Data Cube technology, developed by Geoscience Australia, makes it possible to utilise massive amounts of satellite data more quickly and inexpensively than ever before, to develop new digital products and services with global potential.

"Earth observations from satellites support growth in key industry sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas discovery and mining services. Satellite data is also used to develop new solutions to address issues such as floods, bushfires and drought, as well as protection of our environment and natural assets, including the iconic Great Barrier Reef," Mr Macfarlane said.

Read more in Minister Macfarlane's media release.