Filming Regulations & Resources

The NSW Government first created the Local Government Filming Protocol in 2003 and the last update occurred in 2009. The protocol provides guidelines and information for making and granting applications to conduct filming under the Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act). It aims to balance the interests of the local community and the screen industry. 

NSW councils, the Office of Local Government, Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and the screen production industry were consulted and provided feedback on proposed changes.

Changes include updates to filming impact categories, fees, parking, clarification on “exclusive use” of locations and recommended time frames for processing applications. For details, please refer to the protocol. 

Filming includes recording images for exhibition or broadcast, such as by cinema, television, or the internet. It does not include still photography, video recording of private events such as weddings, or current affairs programs.

Filmmaking increases screen production capacity, creates jobs, showcases local skills, and attracts investment in infrastructure. It also stimulates economic development and encourages tourism in local council areas.

The act of filming itself does not require approval, but associated activities do. 

Associated activities include but are not limited to: exceeding parking times or barricading of parking spaces, exclusive use of an area or location, permission to ‘dress’ a location, impacting road users and/or pedestrians. If in doubt, consult with council to ensure compliance with relevant requirements.

Filmmakers must submit a filming proposal using the approved form provided by the relevant council or via an approved online portal. The proposal should include all necessary documentation, such as evidence of public liability insurance and traffic management plans if relevant to the filming activity.

Filming impact categories are based on factors such as the number of cast and crew, the number and type of vehicles, locations, associated construction, and equipment used. Filming impact categories are No Impact, Low Impact, Medium Impact, and High Impact. For details, please refer to the protocol.

Applicants are not required to notify or seek approval from council if filming and associated activities are contained on private property unless filming is for more than two consecutive days. If filming goes for longer than two days, the production company must lodge a Film Management Plan. There is no cost to lodge a Film Management Plan. Details of what a Film Management plan is can be found here: State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 - NSW Legislation (Sub Division 4 section 2.114).

Yes, fees are associated with activities that require approval under legislated or regulatory authority. The fees must be reasonable and cost-reflective, and they are published in a council’s annual Operational Plan. A council may choose not to charge fees, but where a council charges fees, those fees are not to exceed the maximums listed in the Protocol. 

Drone pilots must comply with regulations set by the Commonwealth agency, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and must obtain approval from the landowner for take- off and landing locations. Councils are not permitted to charge additional fees for drone use.  However, a council may charge a fee for take-off and landing locations which it owns or manages.

Parking requirements depend on the impact category of the filming activity. Councils are encouraged to provide parking as close as possible to the filming location while balancing the needs of the community and the requirements of productions. Please consult with council regarding any special parking requirements.

Councils are not permitted to charge parking fees for unrestricted parking areas.

A heavy or long vehicle is permitted to park on a length of road for longer than 1 hour if it is connected with lawful filming activities. This is an exemption in the NSW Road Rules 2014 legislation Division 6 Section 200 “The driver of a heavy vehicle, or a long vehicle, is permitted to stop on a length of road in a built-up area for longer than 1 hour if the vehicle is stopped for a purpose that is ancillary to or connected with the lawful carrying out of a filming project (within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993) that is approved under that Act.” 

Yes, road closures for filming must be approved by the relevant authorities, such as Transport for NSW and local councils. Approval for lane or total closures of State Roads is a matter for Transport for NSW. Please refer to this link to identify road classification.

Councils and filmmakers should work together to manage community concerns by imposing appropriate conditions on approvals, such as noise restrictions and notification requirements in the protocol.

If filmmakers fail to comply, the council may cancel any approval issued, instruct the filmmaker to cease activities, and charge for any costs related to non-compliance.

The Local Government Act 1993 and the Screen and Digital Games Act 2025 provide the legal framework for managing screen and film-related applications for approvals. Please see the full list of relevant legislation in the protocol. The protocol is binding on both councils and filmmakers.

Filmmakers should contact the council in which they wish to film. Councils are encouraged to appoint a Film Contact Officer (FCO) to assist filmmakers with obtaining the required approvals and access to council services. Please visit the relevant council’s website for contact details. Please refer to the full Protocol.

The Act commenced on 1 July 2025. 

The Act aims to: 

• Promote the growth and sustainability of the screen and digital games industries in NSW. 

• Encourage collaboration between government, industry, and local councils. 

• Support the development of infrastructure, talent, and innovation. 

• Enhance NSW’s reputation as a global destination for screen and digital content production. 

Some of the core provisions include: 

• Functions of the Secretary: The Secretary of the responsible department is empowered to provide support, funding, and strategic direction to the industries. 

• Advisory Committee: Establishment of a committee to advise on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. 

• Principles for Assistance: Clear principles to guide government support, including transparency, equity, and industry engagement. 

• Accreditation of Local Councils: A framework for recognising councils as “screen production friendly,” encouraging streamlined approvals and proactive support. 

• Register of Locations: Creation of a public register of accredited councils and approved filming locations. 

The Act introduces a formal accreditation system for councils that demonstrate a commitment to supporting screen production. Accredited councils will be listed in a public register, making it easier for producers to identify film-friendly locations and navigate local requirements. 

The Advisory Committee will provide expert advice to the government on matters affecting the screen and digital games industries. This includes identifying emerging trends, advising on funding priorities, and helping shape future policy directions. 

The Act complements the Premier's Memorandum and a broader suite of reforms introduced in 2024–2025, including: 

• The NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy 2025–2027 

• The updated Local Government Filming Protocol 2025. 

Together, these initiatives form a coordinated approach to growing NSW’s creative industries. 

The full text of the Act is available: Screen and Digital Games Industries Act 2025