LOCAL GOVERNMENT FILMING PROTOCOL 2009
On 22 March, 2009, The Hon. Virginia Judge MP, Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts, announced a new Local Government Filming Protocol designed to reduce red tape, energise the state’s film and television industry, and encourage more filmmakers to shoot their productions in New South Wales.

The Local Government Filming Protocol 2009 makes it easier for filmmakers to work on locations around the state by giving all Councils one set of rules for processing approvals.

The new system works both ways, with the Government having also established a Code of Conduct for the screen industries, designed to ensure that filming is sensitive to community needs. The Protocol came into force on 30 March 2009.

State Agencies and Authorities have also adopted new Film Friendly Principles, as outlined in the Premier’s 2008 Memorandum MAKING NSW FILM FRIENDLY.

Local Government Film Protocol 2009 PDF
RTA Filming Guidelines PDF

First Step
If you are preparing to film in the Mid North Coast and Armidale areas please contact ScreenLinks, the NSW regional film office for the Mid North Coast and Armidale regions.
Ph: 02 6648 5483 or christina.hyde@screenlinks.org

Shooting on the Mid North Coast or Armidale Areas
To obtain a film permit to shoot on any local Council managed land or facilities, you must
Contact ScreenLinks for further information and before you fill in a Local Government Filming Permit form.

Helpful Info
Shooting news footage (generally) does not require a permit, but all other types of filming require various permit applications, to be lodged at least one week ahead of shooting.

Most public locations including streets and national parks require a permit to film and a fee usually applies. Costs differ and you are required to provide public liability insurance to the minimum value of $A10 million.

Permission must be obtained to film Aboriginal people, art or cultural sites and crews will often need to be accompanied by a custodian. Filming of culturally sensitive material may be restricted.

Screen productions on the NSW Mid North Coast and Armidale regions may also be subject to a variety of local, state and national regulations and applications.