Drones could soon be zooming across Australia with draft operation guidelines now open to help operators and planning authorities safely integrate the drone into the community.
Calling for feedback, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts said its draft Infrastructure planning guidelines for drone delivery services laid out the regulatory requirements for operators running drone delivery.
“Drone delivery services offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution to transport goods to customers in the community,” the Department said.
“Drone delivery trials have been operating in Australia since 2019 with new operations expected as the sector grows,” it said.
“With advances in technology, drone delivery is expected to grow in Australia and it is important that this is managed in a safe and nationally consistent manner.”
The Department said the Guidelines formed part of the Infrastructure Planning Framework being developed with State, Territory and local Governments, to support the integration of drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles in the community and broader transport networks.
“The drone delivery guidelines will provide best-practice guidance on infrastructure and planning decisions relating to drone delivery services using small to medium sized drones (less than 25kg),” the Department said.
“Separate guidance for eVTOL, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and heavy lift drones (more than 25kg) is in development.”
It said the Guidelines would also help planning authorities make informed decisions about drone delivery services in their local community.
The 13-page draft Guidelines can be accessed at this PS News link.
