The missing link in the chain.

The New England Weeds Authority's main priority is the control and eradication of invasive weeds. Based in the local government areas of Armidale, Walcha, Uralla and Glen Innes Severn, they initially implemented the use of the Rapid Logix system as part of a project that was to go completely digital and paper free and to quote their General Manager Tim Weeks, "it’s all going OK and more than just OK."

Who is the New England Weeds Authority (MEWA)?

NEWA is responsible for containing or reducing the bio-security risks of invasive plants to the environment, economy and community through the use of effective weed management systems and latest technology.

Operating over vast area (18,255km2) in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia, NEWA helps their member councils within that region with responsible weed control through:

• Ensuring landholders/occupiers of private land fulfil their obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
• inspection of land within their area for priority and invasive weeds;
• enforcing the control of priority weeds as per legislative requirements;
• weed management on land occupied by the member councils and on roads in their areas;
• publicity about weeds declared in the area;
• proposing changes to priority weed declarations;
• developing, implementing and co-ordinating local strategies and policies;
• providing on-going approved training and professional development for weed staff and
• providing adequate resources to implement priority and invasive weed programs.

How are they using the Universal Flow Tracker and Portal?

At the core, the Universal Flow Tracker (UFT) and Rapid Logix Portal works to eliminate the need for manual recording of spray data. Moving to a paperless environment such as the project NEWA were working on, the UFT was the missing link in the chain that now streamlines their workflow.

And its versatility is in its name: the "Universal" Flow Tracker. You could be forgiven for thinking this means in a geographical sense, but this is actually referring to its flexibility - able to be coupled to most, if not all sprayers already in your fleet.

As Tim Weeks, General Manager of NEWA says:

"The weed spray operators have really tried out its capabilities, and used it in all applications with impressive results. They have really tested it out by using the UFTs on all their sprayers from knapsacks and hand-helds to twin reel sprayers, and boom sprays on ovals and parks."

NEWA worked with the Rapid Logix team to initially set up their fleet with two Universal Flow Trackers, with a further eight units now on their way. Installed on their ute-mounted spray units, they have used the Universal Flow Trackers across a variety of applications such as sports ovals, parks and gardens and private land.

Through the smart tracking software recording every spray droplet, and the operators choosing the weeds they are spraying, NEWA has an easy to access record and map of weeds; where and when the weeds were sprayed, and what chemicals were applied - all with the click of a button. No more flicking through dirty papers or worse, trying to find lost chemical sheets / booklets.

Their ability to put the Universal Flow Tracker on a boom or spray gun has meant they can target select areas such as parks or ovals with the boom spray.  And using the easy to view and access portal, NEWA has been able, through proof of placement, to show reports to all four member councils that comprise the County Council, impressing all stakeholders.

Removing questions or distrust

Everyone knows within the spray industry, there is a certain level of trust that is required for contractors to complete spraying jobs.

NEWA not only carried out council / public works but has also carried out private property weed treatment services for landowners as a paid service. Being able to show these landholders exactly what work has been carried out, how much chemical has been used and where they have applied spray, has proved invaluable for both parties - through proof of placement, it removes all questions and any distrust.

"It’s just great to be able to have all the data from all those jobs and our sprayers flowing back to one location and presenting so well for reporting" - Tim Weeks, GM

The New England Weeds Authority has been a great partner and their commitment to priority and invasive weeds in the Northern Tablelands is paramount to the natural environment. Protection from invasive weeds is for our local fauna and flora, for farmers and for the local communities. Being able to accurately track, record and map those weeds, as well as measure chemicals sprayed, sets a new standard in safety of the local environment and eradicating invasive species in Australia.

For further information or a demonstration on the Universal Flow Tracker and Portal, please don't hesitate to contact us below or call on 1300 901 504.