Safety fears see Leichhardt Council ban drones in parks and public spaces

Leichhardt Municipal Council in inner western Sydney has voted to prohibit the launching of drones in public parks and playgrounds within its local government area.

Citing fears for the safety and privacy of children, the Council has become the first in Australia to introduce such a ban.

While there have been calls for a ban on taking photographs at sporting games, playgrounds and public pools for fear of misuse by paedophiles, drones roaming the airspace present a new dilemma.

Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne said the proliferation of drones for personal use and photography warranted greater regulation to ensure public safety and privacy.

Mayor Byrne told the Inner West Courier “there is a concern about people taking unauthorised photos of children in public areas as well as the risk of injury if a drone crashes.

Calling for stronger overall regulation, Mayor Byrne added “the State and Federal Governments needed to look carefully at the use of drones and regulate to give councils greater controls over where drones are used and penalties for noncompliance.”

The move comes after reports that a child in the UK lost his eye after an out-of-control drone’s propeller sliced through his eyeball.

The Council was advised signs could be erected in parks to ban the launching of drones within the perimeter which could be policed by council officers. However, officers acknowledged there was little that could be done if the drone was launched outside the park.

Officers also highlighted that the issue was one of child safety and other people’s safety, especially if drones were flown over children’s play areas.

The council voted to ban the use of private drones and unmanned aerial devices in all parks and open areas under its care, control and management.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) spokesman Peter Gibson said a review of regulations around drones would take place next year.

Gibson said rules were already in place including a 30 metre rule and one not to fly over crowds or groups, but admitted it was difficult to find the culprit if there was a breach.

Gibson stated “Councils have jurisdiction over public land but not the airspace and CASA can regulate safety but not privacy.

“If people are concerned about breaches of privacy they can report it to the police but you still have the problem of identifying who was operating the drone.”

Misuse of drones can attract fines of up to $9,000 for breaches of safety.

22nd July 2010 - BALMAIN SKATERS CAMPAIGN FOR SKATEPARK

13th January 2010 - COUNCIL CHARGES THREATEN OUTDOOR PERSONAL TRAINING