A CASA spokesperson said even if the person flying the drone did not need approval they are still required to follow a set of regulations. 

“Commercial operations require an approval from CASA, recreational do not,” the spokesperson said.  

“Flying a drone for fun does not require a licence or registration.”

“Main thing is do not fly closer than 30 metres of people and do not fly over crowds or groups of people.”  

“This is a breach of the rules and can attract a fine of $850. CASA does issue fines where we can prove a breach of the rules.”

“CASA cannot require drone operators to notify people of flights but operators do need to make sure they follow all relevant laws and by-laws and consider privacy.”

CASA spokesperson said a person flying a drone should not fly over another person’s property without their permission.  

“The message for recreational drone flying is to use common sense, do not put people at risk, do not fly over crowds or groups of people, keep away from other aircraft at all times, follow the safety rules and consider others,” the spokesperson said. 

“The drone should only have been flown in daylight and kept in line of sight of the operator at all times.”

Mount Isa Police did not issue a permit even though one was not needed. 

Mount Isa Acting Officer In-charge Shaune English said he was contacted on Friday April 24 by a person who told him that they would be filming the Anzac Day parade with a drone as well as regular camera as part of a combined effort for an organisation. 

“When I spoke to the operator on the morning he had told me that there had been concerns in relation to the noise and that the drone would not be able to be heard,” he said. 

“I saw him again at the main service and mentioned that to which he explained that there was a lot more wind then he anticipated and the noise was the drone trying to compensate for the wind.”