“Council has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its trial of 10 sites and hundreds of people have been taking advantage of these designated areas to take off land their drones that are up to two kilograms," he said. “More than 700 people provided feedback to council following the trial and 80 per cent of those support Council in providing spaces in parks for the launch and landing of drones." Drone zone locations: “After reviewing the current locations, Council has determined the current sites will remain available to drone users and Council will look to additional sites that could be leased by clubs for drone racing and fixed-wing aircraft activities.” Cr McLachlan said while council provided locations for drones to be launched and landed, regulations for drone activities during flight were governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. “Although the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulate the flying of drones and other remotely piloted aircraft while they are in the air, council regulates the launching and landing of these aircraft from Council land, including parks,” he said. Drones between 500 grams and two kilograms can use the sites while mini-drones that are less than 500 grams can be launched from any council park as long as they comply with CASA restrictions and flight-restricted areas at Brisbane Airport, Archerfield Airport and helipads.
Dedicated drone zones at hundreds Brisbane parks have been made permanent by the city council with the support of 10 of residents, following a six-month trial. The Brisbane City Council zones will provide launch and landing sites for drone enthusiasts, while the Civil Aviation Safety Authority governs drone flights. The zones are for the use of drones between 500 grams and 2 kg in size, while smaller drones can launch from any council park.