Forest Lake Takes Flight: Drone Delivery Arrives in New Brisbane Suburbs

Forest Lake, Heathwood, Pallara, and Calamvale residents can now look to the skies for their food deliveries as Wing Aviation expands its drone service into these suburbs.

This move builds upon the successful partnership between Wing and DoorDash, which has seen drone deliveries operating from Grand Plaza Shopping Centre in Browns Plains to Logan since late 2022.

Wing’s head of public policy, Jesse Suskin, addressed concerns about privacy and safety, highlighting the company’s impeccable track record in Logan. He emphasised that pilots do not have live access to drone camera feeds, and the drones fly at a height of 45 metres, primarily identifying potential obstructions like buildings and trees.

In a media release distributed to Forest Lake residents, Wing detailed the stringent regulations they adhere to, including approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The lightweight drones, made of styrofoam, are designed for safe operation over residential areas.

The company also addressed noise concerns, stating that drone-generated noise is significantly shorter in duration than typical suburban sounds. They further assured residents that drone noise is regulated, and their operations comply with noise approvals from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development Communications, and Arts.

Jesse acknowledged the potential association of drone delivery with a sedentary lifestyle but emphasised the service’s practical and environmental benefits. He highlighted the convenience for time-pressed individuals, as drones deliver within minutes, avoiding traffic congestion. Additionally, using drones reduces the number of cars on the road, contributing to lower carbon emissions.

Safety remains paramount for Wing, with Jesse underscoring that their operations are overseen by CASA, which regulates significant airlines. He proudly stated that they have never had an incident resulting in injuries.

Published Date 13-August-2024