He has already taken out top prize in the under $1000 division in the northern judging of The Land and NSW Farmers’ Association Inventor of the Year Competition at the Ag-Quip field days.

The first step in his overall plan is the Water Watcher, a unique device designed to remotely monitor watering installations.

Alex was raised on the land and said the idea sprang to mind during one of his many daily three-kilometre runs across the paddocks to check the stock’s watering trough.

“I kept thinking to myself, ‘what’s the point in that?’”

“I also believe that water, as a vital resource needs a security system to monitor its usage,” he said.

“There’s a crucial need to control and sustain our water supply in Australia.”

The telemetry alert system provides 24-hour surveillance, while identifying and alerting the owner’s personal mobile phone.

“This is done via text message when a problem has been detected,” Alex said.

“It can also monitor any other element which can be recorded electronically with the same alert system.”

It can also control devices via text message commands.

“The consumer is also able to check on the components being monitored and see whether the system is functioning properly,” Alex said.

The device can function efficiently anywhere within mobile reception, according to Alex.

“The owner might be on a holiday thousands of miles away and receive an alert message, the same as if he was only a foot away from the device.”

Industrial Arts teacher, Jason Lyell said Alex was an “extremely self-motivated individual.”

“It’s rare to see a student so keen to develop a concept.”

“We’re very proud of him.”