Perth Drone Registration for Events - Bylaws

Technology and Data Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia event organisers must consider both aviation law and local council rules before flying drones at public events. National aviation safety and approval requirements are set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), while the City of Perth and other land managers set access and local permit conditions for public spaces. This guide explains where to seek permission, which official departments to contact, application steps, and where to find the authoritative forms and policy pages for event drone operations in Perth.[1]

Check both CASA approvals and your local venue owner before scheduling any drone flights.

Overview: Who regulates drones at events

Two categories of authority usually apply:

  • CASA - aviation safety, airspace approvals, operational exemptions and pilot requirements.[2]
  • Local land manager or council (for example, City of Perth or Kings Park botanic authority) - permission to operate on council-controlled or managed land and any local permit/booking conditions.[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement can involve both aviation regulators and local government compliance officers. Exact monetary penalties and infringement amounts for council-level breaches are often set out in local laws or regulatory notices; where those amounts are not published on the cited pages this guide states that they are "not specified on the cited page" and points you to the enforcing body for details.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited City of Perth event/permits pages; CASA publishes enforcement processes but specific fine amounts for event drone breaches are not specified on the CASA general pages cited here.[1]
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited municipal pages; CASA may escalate through infringement notices or prosecution depending on severity.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop operations, seizure of equipment, event conditions removal, and referral to court are possible; specific local orders and processes are not specified on the cited City of Perth page.
  • Enforcers and complaints: City of Perth regulatory/compliance teams or rangers enforce local permits and public-space conditions; CASA enforces aviation rules. Use the City of Perth events/permits contact and CASA complaint/contact pages to report breaches.[1]
  • Appeal and review routes: specific appeal time limits and routes are not specified on the cited municipal pages; appeals against council permits typically follow council review procedures or statutory review paths provided in the decision notice.
  • Defences and discretion: councils may grant permissions or conditions for one-off events; CASA offers approvals and exemptions for operations outside standard drone rules where safety cases are provided.[2]
Local land managers may ban drones in sensitive sites such as Kings Park and similar reserves.

Applications & Forms

Most event organisers must complete an event or filming application with the City of Perth to use public spaces; the City of Perth events/filming pages list the application process and contact points, though some specific fee amounts and form codes are not published on the cited page and are therefore "not specified on the cited page". For aviation approvals, CASA's drone pages explain when approvals or operator authorisations are required.[1][2]

  • City of Perth event/filming application: purpose - permission to use council-controlled land for events and for related activities including aerial filming; fee and submission instructions: not specified on the cited City of Perth page.[1]
  • CASA approvals and operator requirements: purpose - legal aviation approvals, remote pilot qualifications, and any exemptions for operations near people or in controlled airspace; specific application forms linked from the CASA site.[2]

How to get permission for a drone at an event

Follow these practical steps to secure necessary permissions and reduce risk of enforcement action.

  • Plan early: include drone operations in your event management plan and risk assessment and allow council and CASA processing time.
  • Contact the venue owner/land manager (City of Perth or other managing authority) to request permission and learn local conditions.[1]
  • Check CASA rules and apply for any required approvals or operator authorisations well before the event.[2]
  • Prepare a safety case, map of the area, pilot details, insurance evidence and a public-safety plan to submit with local and aviation applications.
  • Notify emergency services and nearby facilities if your operation may affect them, and include contact details in your event plan.

FAQ

Do I need CASA approval to fly a drone at a public event?
Often yes for flights near people, in controlled airspace or for commercial aerial work; check CASA guidance and apply for the relevant approvals or operator authorisation.[2]
Do I need permission from the City of Perth?
If your event uses council-controlled land or public thoroughfares you must follow the City of Perth event/filming permit process and gain permission from the land manager.[1]
Are drones allowed in Kings Park?
No-fly rules apply in many botanic and protected areas; Kings Park and similar authorities may prohibit drones on their land—check the park authority's page for conditions.[3]

How-To

  1. Identify the planned flight location and check whether the land is managed by the City of Perth or another authority.
  2. Consult CASA guidance to determine whether your operation needs an approval or exemption.
  3. Complete and submit the City of Perth event or filming application if using council land and attach your drone risk assessment and insurance details.
  4. Apply to CASA for any required aviation approvals and keep proof of approval on site during the event.
  5. Inform local emergency services and follow any conditions set by the land manager or CASA during operations.

Key Takeaways

  • Both CASA and the local land manager must be consulted for event drone operations.
  • Prepare a safety case, insurance and event permit application early.
  • Contact City of Perth compliance or the venue authority to confirm local conditions.

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