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Can I fly a drone in Cockburn?

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As drones become more popular within the community, whether it is for personal or commercial use, it is imperative that they are used correctly and in line with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) laws and guidelines.

If you plan on flying a drone within the City of Cockburn, please refer to the below information and/or visit CASA’s website. Complaints regarding the use of drones can be reported to CASA.

Frequently asked questions

What is a drone?

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle or a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).

Do I need the City's approval to fly a drone?

No, you do not need the City’s approval. Please follow CASA’s guidelines, particularly around Jandakot airport.

Can I book an area to fly a drone exclusively?

The City does not take bookings for drone use in public areas and cannot guarantee that the area you want to fly the drone will be available.

Private property use
You can fly a drone on private property providing you follow CASA’s regulations.

Commerical Use

If you intend to fly your drone for or at work (commercially), there are extra rules you must follow. You will need a remote pilot licence (RePL) or fly in the excluded category (sub-2 kilogram or private landholder).

Jandakot Airport

Unmanned aircraft may not be operated within 3 nautical miles (5.5 km) of Jandakot Airport without approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in consultation with Airservices Australia.

Information on the process for approval is available from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's
  • Do keep your drone at least 30 meters away from other people

  • Do fly one drone at a time

  • Do keep your drone within your visual line-of-sight

  • Do respect personal privacy

  • Do keep your drone at least 5.5 kilometers away from an airport, including Jandakot Airport. 

  • Do download one of CASA's verified Drone safety apps to keep track of where you can and can't fly your drone. 

Don'ts

  • Don't fly your drone higher than 120 meters above ground level

  • Don't fly over people in a populous area such as beaches, parks, events or sports ovals

  • Don't record or photograph people without their consent

  • Don't fly your drone at night or through clouds and fog. 

  • Don't interfere near or at an area impacting public safety or where emergency operations are taking place. This could be a bushfire, car crash or police investigation. 

Privacy concerns

If you are concerned about privacy and drone use, contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner on 1300 363 992 or email.

How to make a complaint about unsafe drone operation in the City of Cockburn

Complaints about unsafe drone operators and operation cannot be accepted at the City of Cockburn and must be lodged with CASA on its website at https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/report-unsafe-drone-operations.

Fines of up to $1,110 can be issued per offence. If the matter is taken to court, fines of up to $11,100 can be imposed.

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Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.