Did you or your Brisbane Kids get a drone for Christmas or a recent birthday? Are you wondering where you’re allowed to fly the drone without obliterating every breakable in your living room or losing it over the neighbour’s fence? Well, thanks to a new trial by Brisbane City Council, you can now enjoy flying your drone in large open spaces in some of Brisbane’s best parks!
Flying a Drone in Council Parks
Drones can now be flown in several Council parks, thanks to a trial that began in late December 2017. As part of the trial, the parks will have designated areas where you can fly a drone or other remotely piloted aircraft. The trial will run for up to six months, and will be reviewed regularly, with close monitoring of the areas to ensure all safety measures and regulations are being followed.
Parks Included in the Trial
Specified areas in the following parks are included in the trial, where you can fly your drone or aircraft (subject to conditions — see below):
Canterbury Park, Rushworth Street, Bald Hills
The designated area for flying drones and aircraft is located at the north side of the park, near the river. Signs are provided on site. Follow the link in the table on this page to see a map of the designated area.
Carindale Recreation Reserve, Bedivere Street, Carindale
To find the drone flying area, head to the south side of the park, behind the dog off-leash area and car park. See here for a map of the designated area.
For more information about Carindale Recreation Reserve, click here.
Cliveden Park, Moorfields Street, Fig Tree Pocket
Head east of the playground on Moorfields Street and towards the corner of Cottesmore Street, and look for the signs provided. The link in the table on this page shows a map of the designated area.
Keperra Picnic Ground Park, Tramway Street, Ferny Grove
The drone flying area can be found at the north side of the park, between the bowls club and the cricket fields. Signs are provided. Follow the link in the table here for a map of the designated area.
Lacey Road Park, Roghan Road, Carseldine
Look for the signed area at the eastern side of the park, near Roghan Road. See a map of the designated area in the table on this page.
Moggill Ferry Reserve, Moggill Road, Moggill
Head towards the banks of the Brisbane River, behind the car park and shelter and look for the signs provided to find the designated area. Follow the link in the table on this page to see a map of the designated area.
Preston Road Park, Kate Street, Carina
The designated area for drones is signposted and is located east of the car park near Kate Street and the corner of Preston Road. The table on this page provides a link to a map of the designated area.
Preston Road Park is also known as Meadowlands Park and also has a great playground (see above). For more information about Preston Road Park, click here.
The Common Park, Cambridge Street, Coopaproo
In The Common Park, the designated drone flying area is signposted and is located south of the playground and picnic shelters. Follow the link in the table on this page to see a map of the designated area.
Voyager Drive Park, Pioneer Drive, Kuraby
The area for flying drones in this park is signposted and can be found to the east of the pathway near Pioneer Drive, heading to the bottom of the hill. There is a link in the table on this page with a map of the designated area.
Wishart Community Park, Kavanagh Road, Wishart
The drone flying area is signposted. It is located east of the car park at the end of Kavanagh Road. To see a map of the designated area, follow the link in the table on this page.
Conditions for Flying a Drone or Aircraft in Council Parks
Drones and other remotely piloted aircraft can only be flown in council areas if they meet the following conditions, as stated on the Brisbane City Council website at this link:
- you are flying for recreational purposes; and
- your aircraft weighs no more than 2 kg; and
- your aircraft is electric; and
- your aircraft has propeller guards (drones only); and
- you are flying in a manner that does not endanger, interfere with or cause nuisance to the park, park users or adjoining properties; and
you follow Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) safety rules for flying drones and other remotely piloted aircraft recreationally.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates the flying of drones and other aircraft in Brisbane, and their rules must be strictly followed. Visit casa.gov.au to read the rules and make sure your are flying your craft suitably and safely.
Other Areas for Flying Drones
Drones and other remotely controlled aircraft can also be flown in ANY Council park, without needing prior Council consent, as long as it meets the following conditions as stated on the Brisbane City Council website at this link:
- the drone is a children’s toy, or weighs less than 0.5 kg; or
- the drone weighs less than 0.1 kg when flown in Council parks located within 5.5 km of the Brisbane Airport or Archerfield Airport; and
- the drone is being flown for recreational purposes; and
- the drone is being flown in a manner that does not endanger, interfere with or cause nuisance to the park, park users or adjoining properties; and
- the operator follows the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) safety rules for flying drones and other remotely piloted aircraft recreationally.
Further Information
The flying of drones in other areas is a restricted activity according to BCC. It can only be done in other areas or for other purposes with consent from Council. Events such as training, racing and filming all require consent. You can apply for consent here.
Drones and remotely controlled aircraft over 0.1 kg are not permitted to be flown within 5.5 km of Brisbane Airport or Archerfield Airport.
Consent is needed for any filming or photography from drones for commercial purposes from Council parks.
The flying of drones is also regulated by noise restrictions.
For further information on flying drones in Brisbane, please visit the Brisbane City Council website here, or call them on 07 3403 8888.
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