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Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification

A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.

By news@gippsland - 21st September 2026 - Back to News

A new Flight Test Range Command Centre is now operational at Latrobe Regional Airport - enhancing Victoria's drone and aerospace industries and supporting local economic diversification. Our funding of $205,000 - alongside $107,000 from Latrobe City Council - has helped to establish this new and essential part of the broader Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct.

The Command Centre strengthens Gippsland's position to attract investment and jobs from Australia's growing Advanced Air Mobility sector, including drones

Advanced aviation innovation

The Command Centre puts Gippsland in a strong position to attract innovative investment and jobs from Australia's growing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. This sector uses emerging aircraft technologies, such as drones, to transport people and goods.

A range of businesses and industries are set to benefit from this project, including:

• Commercial drone manufacturers
• Defence companies
• Aerospace start-ups
• Renewable energy and hydrogen powered aviation companies

The facility will support the research, testing and evaluation of advanced air mobility, drone and electric aviation solutions. It will help establish Latrobe City Council as a national partner for advanced aviation innovation.

Our support for this project is part of our Latrobe City Local Development Strategy, which aims to boost:

• Business capability
• Digital inclusion
• Local procurement
• Innovation
• Diversification and community collaboration

It also aligns with the Victorian government's 2022 Advanced Air Mobility Industry Vision Statement. The statement outlines our vision to position Victoria as a world-leading hub for zero-emission electric aviation, drones, and future AAM operations. Our support of the Latrobe Valley is part of our ongoing work to make rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay, experience, invest and study.

Pictures from Regional Development Victoria website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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