The following information is for filming and still photography on Council owned property, in open spaces and outdoor areas such as footpaths, roads and parks within Wollondilly Shire.
Filming and Photography within Wollondilly Shire Council Local Government Area
A popular destination for visitors, at the foothills of the Southern Highlands, Wollondilly is surrounded by national parks and rural pastures. The area features picturesque towns such as Picton and Appin. There are 16 towns/villages in Wollondilly ranging in populations from 16 to 4000 people. The main towns are Warragamba, The Oaks, Picton, Tahmoor, Thirlmere, Bargo, Buxton and Appin. Half an hour from Liverpool along the F5 freeway, Wollondilly offers varied rural scenery and historic locations. Rolling hills, numerous waterways, natural bushland and steep gorges epitomise the scenic variety. Historic bridges, Victorian homesteads, inns, railway heritage and horse/carriage facilities provide a taste of the history.
Wollondilly is a film-friendly shire, we are proud to support the filming industry and the opportunities it brings to our local Community while balancing the local amenity of residents and businesses.
Further Information
Who needs to apply for a Filming Application?
All commercial filming activities are required to apply for permission for the use of public spaces. This ensures the activity is in accordance with the regulations of Wollondilly Shire Council and the NSW Filming Permits and Protocols
Filming on private land
No specific approvals are required to film on privately owned land however, the Council, Police and adjoining owners must be notified of the filming activity, even if filming approval is not required.
Student filming
If you are a student and you wish to film in Wollondilly you are required to apply for a filming permit. You will not be charged for the permit, however you will be requested to submit a completed application form and supply all requested information to assist with a formal assessment.
Non profit making films
If you are making a film for a not for profit entity, you are still required to apply for a filming permit. You will not be charged for the permit, however you will be requested to submit a completed application form and supply all requested information to assist with a formal assessment.
How long will my application take?
Applications that include the regulating of traffic and or installation of a structure within the Road Reserve (but not approval from any other statutory body)-
Your application will require a consent certificate issued under the Roads Act Section 115(f) and an application for Section 115 will have to be submitted with this filming application.
The time frame to process your application is approx. ten (10) working days.
Applications that do not require the regulating of traffic and do not require approval from any other statutory authority -
The time frame to process your application is approx. five (5) working days.
Applications that require approval from any other Statutory Authority –
Time frame to be advised, once your application has been received, Council will contact you to advise if your application needs consent from any other statutory authority. Once this consent has been obtained by the applicant, Council will proceed with your application.
Applications that have a major impact on a road and/or the surrounding residents - (This includes applications for temporary road closures)
Your application will need to be submitted to the Local Traffic Committee (LTC) for their review, any recommendations from LTC will be submitted to Council for approval. This process will take a minimum of eight (8) weeks.
Fees and Charges
Application Type |
Fee |
| Film Shoot – Low Impact | $238.50 |
| Film Shoot – High Impact | $1,495 |
| Film Shoot - Low Impact - Less than 8 working days notification | $509 |
| Road Management Approval | See page 29 of 2024 -2025 Fees and Charges |
| Hire of Council Owned Facility | See page 31 of 2024 -2025 Fees and Charges |
Council’s processing fees for filming applications are non refundable.
What is high impact filming activity?
High impact filming is assessed as having an impact on the public amenity and residents, with extensive equipment and crew and could include but is not limited to:
- Equipment including tripods, dollies, generators and lighting
- Requirement for tents and/or marquees
- Production trucks and cars
- Requirement for reserved parking
- Requirement of a traffic management plan
What is low impact filming activity?
Low impact filming is assessed as having minimal impact on public amenity and residents and could include small budget productions, ads and still shots. Equipment and crew could include but is not limited to:
- A filming activity involving approximately 6 people
- No more than 1 camera, 1 tripod, and handheld sound recording equipment
- Public safety to be maintained at all times
- All public pathways, footpaths and roads must not be blocked
- All minor impact filming activities are required to apply for a permit.
