Perth’s biggest council has restricted recreational drone use on public property to two reserves, effectively banning them from beaches as local governments grapple with their booming popularity.

The City of Stirling’s moves to regulate drone use come as the WA Local Government Association vows to work with its members to establish a common position early next year.

The concept of drones used to be confined mostly to science fiction before they became a cog in the modern military machine.

But the suddenness of their jump into the recreational and commercial sectors has caught local governments off guard.

All drone users are required to comply with rules set out by the Federal Civil Aviation Safety Authority, but some councils are getting proactive in the face of safety and privacy concerns.

Stirling council voted in August to amend local law to provide clarity as drones become more accessible.

Recreational use on public property is now limited to Yokine Reserve and Hertha Road Reserve if the pilot has the right permit.

Acting recreation and leisure services manager Simone Pastor said no one had been penalised under the amended laws because the city was taking an education-first approach.

“From time to time, the City reviews its Local Laws to take into account any emerging trends, such as what we are seeing with recreational drone users taking place at parks, reserves and other open spaces,” Ms Pastor said.

Ms Pastor called on WALGA to provide leadership and legislative guidelines for its members.

“It is important that there is a consistent approach to the use of drones in public spaces across all government municipalities,” she said.

WALGA president Lynne Craigie said the association recognised the importance of the issue and was working towards a sector-wide approach.

CASA issued a national safety and privacy warning on Tuesday after thousands of drones were given as Christmas gifts.

Their warning singled out Cottesloe beach as an example of a “populous area” that is a no-go zone for recreational pilots.

CASA said penalties included fines of up to $9000.

Francis King, the founder of Elk Fish Robotics in Fremantle, said Australia was quick to act on drone regulation and he believed most owners had the common sense to follow the rules.

He described Stirling council as “fuddy-duddies” for going above and beyond CASA rules.