As discussed, I have pulled together some of the regulations that apply in Australia.  Please note that i'm sure this will change over time and I will endeavor to maintain this discussion. 

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The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has updated (and in the process of updating) the regulations to try and reflect what’s currently happening in the air.  Below are the areas that should be read and understood before commencing activities.

1. Differences between Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and model aircraft

http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100375

2. UAS governance and regulations

http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100376

CASA, and CASA-approved associations, for example the Model Aeronautical Association of Australia (MAAA), govern the operation of all unmanned and radio-controlled aircraft in Australia.

The White Paper on the National Aviation Policy, released December 2009, stated that the Australian Government "will ensure [that] CASA enhances oversight of the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)…"

As a result, theCASA Corporate Plan contains an objective of "strengthening CASA's specialist surveillance staff to oversee the operation of unmanned aerial aircrafts".

3. Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR)

CASR101 is the regulation that covers unmanned aircraft. It was promulgated in 2002 and was the first operational regulation for unmanned aircraft in the world. For more information, see current rule CASR Part 101 – Unmanned aircraft and rocket operations below.

4. Current rule CASR Part 101 – Unmanned aircraft and rocket operations

Part 101 consolidates the rules governing all unmanned aeronautical activities into one body of legislation. It prescribes the rules for the use of unmanned moored balloons and kites, unmanned free balloons, unmanned rockets, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), model aircraft, and pyrotechnic displays.

It provides new regulations for unmanned aircraft and firework displays but minimal change to existing regulations for balloons, rockets and model aircraft from existing Civil Aviation Orders (CAOs).  The link below outlines who is impacted by Part 101 and key proposals of the Part.

Key things to note include:

• While no change is proposed to the rules governing commercial operation of balloons, releasing large numbers of balloons at events may require CASA approval.
• Projectiles that are capable of reaching 400ft or more above ground level not to be used without CASA approval.

For more information see http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:PWA::pc=PARTS101

http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_91039 outlines some key advisory circulars that must be noted.  Despite not directory saying the in ACs below, they also apply to unmanned free balloons.

AC 101-1(0): Unmanned aircraft and rockets

http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/rules/1998casr/101/101c01.pdf

AC 101-3(0): Unmanned aircraft and rockets: Model aircraft

http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/rules/1998casr/101/101c03.pdf

Please let me know if you are aware of any changes or additional regulations.

Cheers,
David.