Drones

Planned Park Closures: Thermal Assisted Aerial Control (TAAC) Program

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service will carry out its annual Thermal Assisted Aerial Control (TAAC) program from Thursday 8 May to Friday 30 May 2025. This operation targets vertebrate pest species in key conservation areas, water catchments, and some semi-urban locations across the ACT. Park and reserve closures will be in place during this period for public safety.

Drones – also known as remotely-piloted aircraft (RPAs) – are considered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to be aircraft. States and territories may regulate drone use consistent with Commonwealth aviation law.

Drone pilots in the ACT must comply with Australia's drone rules as well as any rules imposed by the ACT Government.

Risks

While drones are fun to use and can be useful for search and rescue, event photography and scientific research, their recreational use in reserves can adversely affect wildlife and impact on the privacy and enjoyment of visitors. The lithium batteries used in drones can cause intense fires in any crash. Drones also present a serious risk to park operations such as to the helicopters used in emergency management activities.

Drones in reserves

Flight and operation of drones is prohibited in all Nature Conservation Act 2014 reserves in the ACT.

Drone flight may be approved for some purposes, such as conservation research, through the issuing of a nature conservation licence. Conservation officers may also pilot drones in reserves where drones are otherwise prohibited, for management purposes.

Drone pilots must comply with the CASA rules and any licence conditions.

Other public areas

In other public areas, the CASA rules apply to drone flight.

More information

If you notice any issues during your visit:

report maintenance issues to Access Canberra
report vandalism or other illegal activities to the police on 131 444
in an emergency, call 000

Find out about:

Planned Park Closures: Thermal Assisted Aerial Control (TAAC) Program

In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

triple zero 000

5124 0000

6201 6111

1800 629 354

6205 1065

13 11 26

5124 9977

(02) 6205 1700

1800 022 222

13 25 00

Drones

Risks

Drones in reserves

Other public areas

More information