Australia’s peak representative body for drone users has urged councils to consult with operators before they move ahead with a ban on flying unmanned aircraft.
Ballarat City Council voted on Wednesday last week to ban the use of drones on municipal land without a permit.
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The decision caught many of the city’s operators by surprise and generated a fierce backlash.
Australian Association for Unmanned Systems president Reece Clothier said it was not clear if council-enforced drone laws would survive court challenges.
“Council is within its rights to define bylaws as it refers to public land,” he said.
“It is yet to be tested in a court of law, but our general feeling is the bylaws do not apply to airspace.
“If councils are considering establishing bylaws, they should do so in close consultation with the industry and users.”
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The association represents thousands of operators across Australia, including unmanned land and water-based craft. Their membership includes about 10,000 commercial operators across the country.
Mr Clothier said it was already illegal to fly drones over dwellings with people, so privacy was adequately protected.
“Commercial drone sector and hobby users are adequately regulated under Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations already,” he said.
“Any new laws considered by councils are unnecessary.
“(A council that passes this law) runs a risk of creating an environment that is not attractive for small business.”
Falcon Aerial Photography sales and marketing director Peter Risdale said his company supported the council process.
“Some may comment on whether they are happy or not, but our position is this is a great opportunity to assist the community in local amenity,” he said.
“They should have regard for those that have already demonstrated their capacity to fly in a licensed, fully approved capacity.
“I think council understands there is an ongoing consultation.”
