In 2008, the NSW Government announced a package of measures to slash red-tape and give filmmakers easier access to prime locations.

The measures contained in the package include:

• Creating a presumption that filming activities will be allowed on community land, Crown reserves and National Parks, provided heritage and environmental values are preserved;
• Requiring local councils to approve filming-related applications unless exceptional circumstances exist;
• Requiring councils to give written reasons for refusing a film application;
• Ensuring fees associated with filming are limited to a transparent cost-recovery basis;
• Exempting short-term filming activities on public or private land from requiring development approval;
• Streamlining the approvals process for temporary structures used in filming such as catering tents or sets;
• Exempting large vehicles from the one-hour time limit when parked in connection with permitted filming activity;
• Issuing new RTA guidelines to give local councils a clear and consistent framework for managing film-related road closures and parking; and
• Applying a revised Local Government Filming Protocol to all councils

These initiatives are designed to encourage a film friendly dialogue between all stakeholders involved in film and television production and to facilitate filmmaking in Sydney and around the State. Screen NSW and local government provides a liaison service between the industry,State government and Local government and assist all parties with training and advice on the film friendly principles.

For more information please also click on the following links:

Local Government Filming Protocol

Premier's Memorandum

Stacks of Facts (A comprehensive listing of film contacts in State, Local and Federal government authorities in New South Wales)