Apply to fly model aircraft in a Council park or reserve

You must have public liability insurance

You must hold public liability insurance with a minimum of $20 million to receive a permit.

The permit must be held in the name of the applicant and contain the following clause:

Obligation to Insure

The Permit Holder shall at all times during the agreed Term, be the holder of a current Public Liability Policy of Insurance (“The Public Liability Policy”) in respect of the activities specified herein in the name of the Permit Holder providing coverage for a minimum sum of $20M (or more). The Public Liability Policy shall cover such risks and be subject only to such conditions and exclusions as are approved by the Council and shall extend to cover the Council in respect to claims for personal injury or property damage arising out of the negligence of the Permit holder.

Council's indemnity

The Permit Holder agrees to indemnify and to keep indemnified, the Council, its servants and agents, and each of them from and against all actions, costs, claims, charges, expenses, penalties, demands and damages whatsoever which may be brought or made or claimed against them, or any of them, in connection with the Permit Holders performance or purported performance of its obligations under this Permit and be directly related to the negligent acts, errors or omission of the Permit Holder.

The Permit Holders liability to indemnify the Council shall be reduced proportionally to the extent that any act or omission of the Council, its servants or agents, contributed to the loss or liability.

Flying your aircraft safely

You must fly your aircraft in a safe and controlled manner at all times. You must also:

• fly between 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays
• fly between 10am to 6pm on weekends and public holidays
• limit flying time to 2 hours before 12pm and 2 hours after 12pm
• fly at least 30m away from people, buildings or playgrounds
• fly less than 65m above the lowest level of the reserve
• ensure your aircraft produces less than 98db of noise
• wear a hard hat at all times when flying the aircraft
• have the permit on you at all times

Flying a drone

You do not need a Council permit to fly your drone. There are rules around how and when you can fly your drone. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) also has a mobile application that helps you understand where you can fly your drone.

If you have a large drone or want to fly for commercial reasons, you may need a certification from CASA.

Application fee

There is a $138 non-refundable application fee for each application.

How to apply

• To apply to fly your model aircraft in a Council park or reserve, please complete a Fly a Model Aircraft in a Municipal Reserve Application form.
• If you wish to pay by credit card, please also complete a Credit Card Authorisation Form.

Permit application must be received 14 days before the date the permit is needed for.

Submit your application

Submit your application form and payment:

• via email to [email protected].
• via post
• in person at one of our customer service centres

What happens next

• We will review your application. If we need more information, we will contact you.
• If the inspection is satisfactory, we will approve your permit within 7 business days.