Infrastructure Planning Framework

The Australian Government is developing an Infrastructure Planning Framework to ensure a nationally consistent approach to infrastructure and planning decisions for emerging aviation technologies. Guidelines are currently being developed for drone delivery services and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), with other types of infrastructure to be considered in the future as needed.

The Framework will provide best practices guidance to support planning authorities make informed decisions about integrating drones in the community and broader transport networks in a safe and consistent manner.

The drone delivery guidelines provide guidance for drone delivery services using small sized drones (less than 25kg). Drone delivery services provide on-demand supplies such medicine, pathology samples, small goods and consumables to customers from a local delivery hub.

Infrastructure required to support drone delivery services is simple and may include dedicated pads for loading, take-off and landing of aircraft and charging facilities. This infrastructure is easily accommodated within existing planning structures.

The drone delivery guidelines are intended to provide support for planning officials when considering development proposals for drone delivery services. They provide guidance on the aviation regulatory framework as it applies to drone delivery services and make recommendations regarding the infrastructure and land use and planning considerations required to support drone delivery operations using small sized drones.

Guidelines for AAM and heavy lift drones (more than 25 kilograms) are currently being developed. The scope of these guidelines is much broader than those required for small to medium drone delivery operations.

They will include consideration of vertiport design and siting requirements, best practice building design for multi-story commercial and residential buildings to receive drone deliveries, integration opportunities with existing transport and freight hubs, and relevant safety and security regulations (as they are developed).

The Framework is being developed in consultation with Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments, and industry stakeholders, to ensure it is fit for purpose and provides practical guidance for planning authorities.