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ARTICLE · 11 APRIL 2024

Drone usage soars as councils consider their privacy obligations

Holding Redlich
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Councils should familiarise themselves with the possible legal challenges of drone usage for compliance purposes.

AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Tess Kerridge (formerly at Holding Redlich)
Tess Kerridge (formerly at Holding Redlich)
Joseph Monaghan
Joseph Monaghan
Jesse Cowie (formerly at Holding Redlich)
Jesse Cowie (formerly at Holding Redlich)
Olivia Johnson
Olivia Johnson
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Drone usage soars as councils consider their privacy obligations

With the drone industry rapidly growing in Australia, and the use of drones diversifying, many Councils are using drones for investigative and compliance purposes whilst exercising their statutory power of entry. Although drones are more efficient than traditional methods of information collection, Councils should familiarise themselves with the possible legal challenges of drone usage for compliance purposes.

Safety regulations

Councils are required to comply with civil aviation and safety regulations. Drones must be kept within a visual line of sight and not fly higher than 120 metres or 400 feet above ground level. Council staff may also operate drones without a licence as long as the drone weighs less than 2kg. Commercial drone companies with remote pilot licences are a good alternative option for Councils as they can operate drones in wider circumstances. Councils should also ensure that

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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