Drones

Drones are a major part of modern society and we are seeing more people using them every year. We are also seeing drone operators discovering many new and creative ways to utilise Drones for recreational and business purposes including emergency services.

Drone usage is not regulated by Local Governments. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Australian is the national authority for the regulation of civil aviation - which includes drone regulations and certifications - and can also provide help and assistance to community members concerned about Drone use.

The Town of Cambridge is not positioned to enforce laws pertaining to Drone use unless it is being used in a public area where “remotely controlled aircraft” use is not permitted. These locations are listed below:

• Cowden Park
• Rutter Park
• Grantham / Selby Park
• Henderson Park
• Pat Goodridge Reserve
• Perry Lakes/Alderbury Reserve
• McLean Park
• Floreat Park
• Beecroft Park
• Helston Park
• Jubilee Park
• City Beach Ovals
• Bent Park
• Lake Monger (Galup)

For information from CASA visit their website: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones

To keep yourself and others safe on the ground and in the air, please read the following before take-off.

Recreational Use - Flying in Town of Cambridge Public Space

 You must:

• Only fly one drone at a time.
• Always fly your drone within visual line-of-sight — this means:

• Flying only during the day.
• Avoid flying in cloud, fog or heavy rain.
• You can see your drone with your own eyes at all times — not by using binoculars or watching a video screen.
• Not flying behind trees, buildings or anything else that stops you seeing your drone at all times.

• Respect personal privacy. Don’t record or photograph people without their consent — this may breach other laws and you could end up in trouble with the Police.

You must not fly your drone:

• Higher than 120 m (400 ft) above ground level — that's about the height of a 35-storey building or length of a football field.
• Closer than 30 m to people — other than those helping to fly or navigate your drone.
• Over or above people at any time or height.
• Over or near an area affecting public safety.
• In a way that creates a hazard to another person, aircraft or property.
• Near emergency situations. This could include situations such as a car crash, police operations, a fire or firefighting efforts or search and rescue, Westpac helicopter beach patrols.
• In prohibited or restricted airspace.
• Closer than 5.5 km to a controlled aerodrome or airfield (usually those with a control tower), if your drone weighs more than 100 g.

  You may operate your drone within 5.5 km of a non-controlled aerodrome or helicopter landing site only if:

• There are no manned aircraft (one or more people inside) flying to or from the aerodrome.
• You land as soon as safely possible if you see any manned aircraft flying to or from the aerodrome.
• You stay outside the airfield boundary.
• You do not operate in approach or departure paths.

Know your Drone - Flying for fun(PDF, 104KB)

Commercial Use - Flying in Town of Cambridge Public Space

If you intend to fly your drone for work (commercially), you will need to adhere to the CASA regulations in relation to drones.

• If you require use of a park or reserve whilst flying a drone for commercial use, then you must submit an application via our online booking platform. Please see the schedule of fees for this regard.
• It is illegal to fly for money or reward unless you have a remote pilot licence (RePL) or you're flying in the excluded category (sub-2 kilogram or private landholder).

Know your Drone - Flying for work(PDF, 159KB)

CASA

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Australian national authority for the regulation of civil aviation - which includes drone regulations and certifications.

 Know Your Drone

Reporting Unsafe Flying

If you believe you've seen someone breaking the rules, you can report it to CASA. Fines of up to $1,050 can be issued per offence. If the matter is taken to court, fines of up to $10,500 can be imposed.

Report Unsafe Drone Operations