News & Publications
Ports North implements a Community Relations and Engagement Program designed to build broader industry, community, media awareness and support for Ports North and its associated activities.
In particular, Ports North seeks to ensure key stakeholders, including the general community, understand and support Ports North’s role as a leader in economic growth in Far North Queensland.
Media Enquiries or Requests:
For media enquiries or requests relating to Ports North please contact:
Margie Canny
Communications Advisor
M: 0468 764 662
E: enquiries@portsnorth.com.au
Media news representatives coming to our ports are required to notify Ports North prior to arrival.
Please note:
- No filming of any Ports North employees including Cairns Marlin Marina employees is to be carried out without the individual's and company's specific consent.
- Filming of security staff or security equipment and processes over port areas is strictly prohibited.
Flying drones/remotely piloted aircraft in the vicinity of our ports.
Drone usage is increasing and it’s important that users understand the safety rules and issues associated with drone operations. It is also important users are aware of the licensing requirements that may apply to these activities.
To ensure the safety and security of those across our ports and in the sky, the Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) has developed rules and regulations prohibiting drones weighing more than 250g from being flown within 5.5km of a controlled airport or helipad.
All drones, regardless of how much they weigh are also prohibited from flying over or in the departure or approach path of a controlled airport – the airspace where traditional aircraft take off and land.
Ports North also has guidelines including a 30-metre distance from personnel during operations. We also have restrictions in place as per our operational guidelines and restrictions in place over Navy bases to safeguard sensitive military operations and assets.
Drone rules also vary depending on whether you are flying for recreational or commercial purposes.
Flying drones/remotely piloted aircraft in the vicinity of our ports.
Drone usage is increasing and it’s important that users understand the safety rules and issues associated with drone operations. It is also important users are aware of the licensing requirements that may apply to these activities.
To ensure the safety and security of those across our ports and in the sky, the Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) has developed rules and regulations prohibiting drones weighing more than 250g from being flown within 5.5km of a controlled airport or helipad.
All drones, regardless of how much they weigh are also prohibited from flying over or in the departure or approach path of a controlled airport – the airspace where traditional aircraft take off and land.
Ports North also has guidelines including a 30-metre distance from personnel during operations. We also have restrictions in place as per our operational guidelines and restrictions in place over Navy bases to safeguard sensitive military operations and assets.
Drone rules also vary depending on whether you are flying for recreational or commercial purposes.
Flying drones/remotely piloted aircraft in the vicinity of our ports.
Drone usage is increasing and it’s important that users understand the safety rules and issues associated with drone operations. It is also important users are aware of the licensing requirements that may apply to these activities.
To ensure the safety and security of those across our ports and in the sky, the Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) has developed rules and regulations prohibiting drones weighing more than 250g from being flown within 5.5km of a controlled airport or helipad.
All drones, regardless of how much they weigh are also prohibited from flying over or in the departure or approach path of a controlled airport – the airspace where traditional aircraft take off and land.
Ports North also has guidelines including a 30-metre distance from personnel during operations. We also have restrictions in place as per our operational guidelines and restrictions in place over Navy bases to safeguard sensitive military operations and assets.
Drone rules also vary depending on whether you are flying for recreational or commercial purposes.
For more information visit CASA’s website: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones
Recreational Use (within 5.5 km of Cairns Airport)
If your drone weighs more than 250 g, you must not fly:
- over a departure or approach path
- over a movement area (areas where aircraft can taxi, take off or land on the ground)
- within 5.5 km (3 NM) from a point along a runway centreline (the measurement point) of a controlled airport.
If your drone weighs 250 g or less, you can fly within 5.5 km (3 NM) from a point along a runway centreline (the measurement point). You must not:
- fly over the movement area
- fly over or in the departure or approach path
- create a collision hazard to other aircraft taking off or landing.
For more information visit the CASA website: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/drone-rules/emergencies-and-public-spaces#
Commercial Use
There are certain circumstances, for commercial purposes, where permission may be granted to operate a drone over 250. When flying for money or any form of commercial gain, you may need to be licenced and certified as an operator or work for a certified operator.
Check the CASA website for information regarding commercial drone operations to ensure that you understand everything that you need to know.
https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/get-your-operator-credentials
Ports North is committed to the safe operation of our aerodrome including the safety and security of our visitors, staff, local residents and port tenants.
Any RPA usage that is in breach of regulatory requirements will be reported to CASA who may impose infringement notices that result in a significant fine (in excess of $10,000 AUD) per offence.
Violating drone restrictions over Navy bases can lead to severe penalties.
In addition to all regulatory approvals, Ports North must also be notified of the commercial use of RPA’s. Notification must include the nature of the RPA usage, flight details, operator details (including primary contact) and regulatory approvals information/references.
Please notify Ports North via email enquries@portsnorth.com.au. If the intended RPA usage is for filming or photography purposes, please also complete an APPLICATION FOR FILMING OR PHOTOGRAPHY..
(Please note: Personal drones are deemed hobby drones and will not be approved.)
If you are unsure if your location falls within Ports North area, please contact enquries@portsnorth.com.au com.au
Submitting your request
Drone flights requests must be submitted by the project manager or commercial pilot at least one week prior to the flight date.
Requests must include all information noted below.
CASA Operator Accreditation
- Please supply either remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operator accreditation or Remote Pilot Licence. Your aviation reference number (ARN) alone is not sufficient.
- Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operator accreditation for anyone who intends to fly a drone or RPA for business or as part of your job is now required.
CASA Drone Registration
- Please supply your current Certificate of Registration for the drone you intend to use for this flight.
- Registration for drones, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), flying for business or as part of your job is now required.
Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)
- If you intend to launch or land within a Secure Port Zone and hold a current MSIC, please supply a photo or scanned copy.
Public Liability Insurance
- Please provide the drone operators' current Certificate of Currency or Certificate of Insurance equal to or greater than $20 million. An invoice is not sufficient.
Flight Map
Please provide a map outlining the entire flight zone, including launch and landing sites and flight direction. Please consider safe distances from structures, vessels and the public. Markers on satellite images from Google Maps work well for this purpose. Please see the example Helpful Information
Information regarding CASA’s regulations for drone usage can be found at: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones
Information regarding Airservices RPA policy can be found at: http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/services/unmanned-aerial-systems-in-controlled-airspace/
Ports North encourages the reporting of the illegal usage of RPA’s in the vicinity of the airport. This can be done through CASA at: https://www.casa.gov.au/webform/report-unsafe-drone-operations
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Qgwrl8Ll406laqyumiwxVPsK0zvVuElAqNNf-xGVUaxUN1I2SFZaWE8zSTBMTDYxVEMxTFdVS09OWC4u