Murray Shire Council votes to amend Local Government drone law

The Council voted 8 – 0 in favour of the recommendation at the Council Meeting on December 21, 2017. 

North Pinjarra Progress Association president Brad Cardilini said the group pushed for the amendment.

“Drones are a growing trend,” he said. 

“Under the current laws, there is a ban on local aircraft use – and drones come under that.”

Mr Cardilini said there were only two drone clubs in WA, one in Madora Bay and one in Pickering Brook.

“I wanted to bring something to the area that was going to the unique,” he said. 

Community consultation was undertaken in September and October 2017 in the North Pinjarra area to determine local community views on a proposal for drones to operate on the oval.

Of the 399 letters sent, 169 responses were received with 70 per cent of respondents supporting the proposal.

Mr Cardilini said the North Pinjarra Progress Association wants to “breathe life” into the area.

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“There hasn’t been much put back into the area for a long time,” he said. 

“We are trying to lead the change in getting North Pinjarra up to speed with surrounding areas.”

He said if the law was changed, people would apply for a permit through Council to be able to fly a drone in the area. 

“If all goes as planned, it will be changed by April this year,” Mr Cardilini said. 

The club requested the Shire’s consideration in using the North Pinjarra Oval as a base for a new drone club that would run regular events.

Murray Shire chief executive officer Dean Unsworth said the decision is currently out for public comment and will close at 4pm on March 2, 2018. 

"A report will then be presented to Council, for the proposed local law to be formally considered for adoption by Council,” Mr Unsworth said. 

For more information visit the Murray Shire website at http://www.murray.wa.gov.au or contact 9531 7777.