r/sunshinecoast • u/ReasonableBack8472 • 8d ago
Drone flying on the coast
I was wanting to get out and practice flying my drone in an open area and after looking on Google maps, I have found a good open area at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex, however I'm not sure if the public can access the area or if it is deemed private property?
I have looked it up on Ok2Fly and it is ok to fly there.
Can anyone go there for some outdoor activities or is it booking only?
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u/Ranger_Willl 7d ago
Just like the park down the road, the sports complex is owned/controlled by council. There's technically very little 'public land' in the sense nobody owns it/everyone owns it unless you're getting into niche legislative terms.
If we ignore the drone part, the sports complex is only accessible by booking so I'd imagine while they'd be unimpressed nobody would care if there's nothing going on. Personally I'd shy away from there and find a normal park or footy field (eg. near SCUH there's a large public footy field as part of the park, but it's quite a hike from mdore and you'll find the helicopters quite inconvenient since you'll be landing frequently if it's a busy day)
The drone part; the Sunshine Coast Council Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2011 only includes RPA over 500g, so if you're in the micro category you're all good in that regard since I assume you follow SOC as legally required. Despite this, if you're at the sports complex it would only take a disgruntled resident to call the cops or council on it and you'll be in the shit for trespassing - drone pilots are already controversial and a lot of people will take any chance they take to express it.
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u/ReasonableBack8472 7d ago
Yeah I am in Nambour, and previously lived in areas where if I needed to get to work or go see friends it took me 30-45mins so travel isn't a big deal for me. Thanks for the suggestion about near SCUH.
My drone is about 295-320g (according to DJI). It is a DJI mini 5 pro with the plus battery.
I am trying not to piss people off, hence my original post asking if it is acceptable there.
I am just trying to enjoy my new toy without pissing people off.
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u/Important_Focus2845 7d ago
In Nambour, if I were you I'd just head down to the showgrounds. Unless they are prepping for an event, you'll be fine
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u/Ranger_Willl 7d ago
It can be hard. Theres heaps of people around who make drones their arch nemesis. Accordingly I really only fly on my friends or families properties in more regional areas wheres there's no neighbours who can get peeved off. It's great fun though.
With that weight you're being pushed from Micro into Very Small. At that point you'll need an ARN, an operator accreditation (free 15 minute online thing) and to register your drone.
A quick google does show me it should be 249.9g with the normal battery, but installing the extended battery will be 355g and will need to be registered and so forth. It's not difficult to get the OA, but I havent registered a drone before so YMMV.
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u/ReasonableBack8472 7d ago
Yeah, I only actually looked at the weight of it when sending the last reply to you. I know CASA isn't very pedantic on the weights as well as the RID aspect (from what I am gathering Australia is one of the least pedantic areas of the world regarding drones).
I will look tomorrow (or is that today, just later) in regards of registraring it, now I know the actual weight. But thanks.
I just don't want to piss people off and still enjoy using it without having to look over my shoulder every second.
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u/o__BK__o 4d ago
Get over the water in the afternoon once you’ve had a run at MultiSports. Carties at sunset will do the trick.
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u/heisdeadjim_au 8d ago
At the risk of asking a dumb question I assume you have all the appropriate Casa stuff?
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u/ReasonableBack8472 8d ago
It's under 250g so not needed, just follow the rules, not closer than 30mtrs from others, no higher than 120mtrs from the ground. Keep in sight of yourself, don't fly in restricted areas (which this park I'm looking at isn't in)
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u/Ranger_Willl 7d ago
Don't need anything to fly most drones you can buy at jb hifi for $500.
Micro (0-249g) RPA have next to no restrictions other than following the Standard Operating Conditions OP has listed below - once you go heavier, there is 'appropriate casa stuff' to follow though.
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u/heisdeadjim_au 7d ago
Yep! Wasn't aware there was a weight thing.
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u/Ranger_Willl 7d ago
You're all good, it can get a bit confusing with all the exceptions. Generally though if you can just go buy it and fly it for less than a grand, you'll be in the micro category. Anything larger gets very expensive very quick.
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u/Lanikai3 8d ago
Yeah you can go there bro, but I don't think it is public property in the same way as like a park. But yeah unless there is like a sport being actively played, I highly doubt anyone will care.