FLYING a drone without permission in a Stirling park attracts a $350 on-the-spot fine under proposed new rules.
The same penalty applies to anyone caught “slacklining” — walking across a tightrope between two anchors (usually trees) — throwing a javelin or discus, using a hammer or operating a “motorised device” (we assume this relates to the picnic table cart seen zipping through Scarborough last year).
Critics say the council is clamping down too hard on innocent fun, but the council says it’s striking a responsible balance.
Anyone pinged can have their day in court but if they lose, the $350 fine can go up to $5000, plus $500 for every day the prohibited action continued after the initial fine was issued.
by Matthew Dwyer
Mount Lawley’s Larissa Ashton wrote to the Voice saying Stirling has “gone too far in regulating what is essentially a recreational activity”.
Council recreation manager Michael Quirk says “common-sense” will be exercised and the council is “looking at options including designated areas for use of drones and/or the inclusion of a permit system”. Locals will be consulted before decisions are made on where drones can fly.
Drones2 shop owner Ben Hart says drones are not a safety nor privacy risk: “Aerial cams can be no more invasive than handheld ones,” he says.
The council will discuss local law changes in a committee meeting Tuesday, February 23.
by EMMIE DOWLING
Perth Voice Interactive 
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