Infrastructure planning guidelines for drone delivery services

Drone delivery services offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution to transport goods to customers in the community. Drone delivery trials have been operating in Australia since 2019 with new operations expected as the sector grows.

We are continuing to work with state, territory and local governments to develop an Infrastructure Planning Framework to support the integration of drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles in the community and broader transport networks.

As part of the Infrastructure Planning Framework, 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 (<25kg). Separate guidance for eVTOL, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and heavy lift drones (>25kg) is in development.

The guidelines step through the regulatory requirements for drone operators and provide guidance for planning authorities to make informed decisions about drone delivery services in their local community.

We’re seeking feedback on a number of issues, including:

• the infrastructure and land use planning considerations for drone delivery services;
• the potential application of the guidelines by local government planning authorities; and
• the regulatory approvals process flowchart.

For more information, visit the Infrastructure Planning Framework page at drones.gov.au.

Relevant documentation

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Consultation opening date and time: 04/11/2022 10.00am

Consultation closing date and time: 02/12/2022 5.00pm