Melbourne Drone Flyers group criticises City of Casey’s new drone by-law
A DRONE users’ group has criticised the City of Casey’s tough new law on the flying cameras, as the council embarks on a public education campaign ahead of fining lawbreakers.
South East
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A DRONE users’ group has criticised the City of Casey’s tough new drone by-law, dubbing it “an over-reaction”.
The city introduced the new local law late last year, requiring drone operators to get a permit before flying from their own land, or risk a $300 fine.
The law states a person must have a permit to “launch or land a drone on or from any private property”.
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Under federal law, people are only required to obtain a permit for a drone if the device is being used for commercial purposes.
Casey safer communities manager Caroline Bell said the intention was to stop people flying drones from private property over their neighbouring private properties.
She said Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations would apply to people using drones in public, including on council land.
The CASA regulation restricts people using drones from flying above 120m and within 30m of people or over people. Drones must be visible to the naked eye at all times and users are not permitted to fly through cloud or fog.
Melbourne Drone Flyers spokesman Phil Dunbabin said the 1900-member group, which had members all over Melbourne, were responsible flyers and used an app called “Can I Fly There” before venturing out.
“It is an over-reaction,” he said.
“CASA laws regarding populous and hazardous flying restrict anyone from flying in a standard size property.
“The council should be seeking advice from the drone community and promoting safe and legal flying while adhering to CASA laws.”
Mr Dunbabin said the group had created reference cards to hand out to people when flying that he said hoped would dispel myths about drones.
Ms Bell said the council had not yet issued any fines and the next step would be a public education campaign rather than punitive measures.
“No fines have been issued,” she said.
“It is not council’s intention to immediately start issuing infringements, but rather to educate and gain voluntary compliance.”
Penalties for drone operators breaking the CASA rules include fines of up to $10,000.
It is not known how much the City of Casey permits will cost.