Drone Spraying Fine Sends Warning to Operators

A south-west Victorian drone spraying business has been fined fifteen thousand dollars following a spray drift incident that damaged a neighbouring property.

The matter was heard in the Colac Magistrates’ Court, relating to aerial chemical application carried out in May 2024 at Barongarook.

Investigators found around ten acres of land outside the target area were affected, resulting in an estimated twenty-six thousand dollars in losses, including reseeding, hay replacement and lost income.

Agriculture Victoria says while drone technology is becoming an increasingly important tool for chemical application, it still carries significant risks if not properly managed.

Regulatory Operations Manager Daniel Bode says operators must understand and comply with strict requirements, particularly around weather conditions and application settings.

Magistrate Bryant told the court wind speed and local conditions must be carefully monitored, reinforcing that penalties reflect the seriousness of failing to prevent off-target chemical drift.