Just posted by CASA in their newsletter:
"Updates to remotely piloted aircraft rules
Regulatory requirements for a sector of the booming remotely piloted aircraft industry are being eased. Commercial operators of very small remotely piloted aircraft will no longer need to obtain regulatory approvals such as an operator’s certificate and a remote pilot licence. The changes, which take effect from 29 September 2016, apply to remotely piloted aircraft used in commercial operations weighing less than two kilograms maximum take-off weight. These operators will need to notify CASA that they intend to use very small remotely piloted aircraft for commercial flights and must operate according to a set of standard operating conditions. These mandatory conditions include flying only in day visual line of sight, below 120 metres, keeping more than 30 metres away from other people, flying more than 5.5 kilometres from controlled aerodromes and not operating near emergency situations. An online system will be used by the commercial operators of very small remotely piloted aircraft to notify CASA of their operations. The package of changes made to the regulations covering remotely piloted aircraft also permits private landholders to carry out a range of activities on their own land without the need for approvals from CASA. This includes remotely piloted aircraft up to 25 kilograms in weight where no money is paid for flights. CASA is finalising a series of advisory circulars covering remotely piloted aircraft operations. These will cover training and licensing, operators and operations, general information and the sub-two kilogram class."
