Review of filming and photography application criteria and fees
We’re reviewing our filming and photography application criteria and fees, following the NSW Government’s 2025 update to the Local Government Filming Protocol.
Related to Apply for a filming or photography permit
In progress
This review will align our filming and application criteria and fees with the Local Government Filming Protocol.
Why we’re doing this
The NSW Government updated the NSW Local Government Filming Protocol in 2025 to replace the 2009 protocol. The updated protocol came into effect on 1 July 2025. The protocol sets the framework councils must follow for filming-related applications on council land, including application categories, maximum fees and standard assessment requirements.
The City of Sydney maintained the 2009 protocol’s structure for applications and application fees for a further 12 months. This was to ensure enough notice could be provided to applicants about the changes, including new application and approval fees.
What we’re doing
We’re now reviewing our filming and photography application criteria and fees to align them with the 2025 protocol. Changes will apply for application submissions from 1 July 2026. Until then, our current application process and fees continue to apply.
Still photography is not included in the protocol’s definition of filming. But we manage filming and photography through the same application process and fee schedule. We’ll continue to apply the same process and fee structure to photography applications for consistency.
What’s changing
The updated protocol changes filming application categories and maximum administrative and approval fees. It also introduces maximum late application fees and updates maximum traffic management plan assessment fees.
The protocol’s fees will also be adjusted each year in line with CPI.
Current and new application categories and fees
| Application type | Current protocol criteria and fees (2009) | New protocol criteria and fees (from 1 July 2026) |
| Ultra-low/No impact | Ultra-low impact: up to 10 crew, maximum one camera and one light, no disruption, activities contained to footways or public open space areas only. Application fee: $0 |
No impact (new): 6 or fewer total cast and crew. No impact on any land. No applications required. (ultra-low impact application type removed). Application fee: N/A |
| Low impact | Low impact: 11 to 25 crew, no more than 4 trucks and vans, minimal equipment and lighting, small unit base, usually one to 2 locations. Application fee: $150 Late application fee: $600 |
Low impact: 7 to 25 total cast and crew, no more than 4 trucks and vans, minimal equipment and lighting, small unit base, usually one to 2 locations. Application fee: $100 Approval fee: $180 Late application fee: $450 |
| Medium impact | Medium impact: 26 to 50 crew, no more than 10 trucks, some equipment (including dolly, jibs), unit base, maximum 4 locations. Application fee: $300 Late application fee: $1,200 |
Medium impact: 26 to 50 crew and cast, no more than 10 trucks, some equipment (including dolly, jibs), unit base, maximum 4 locations. Application fee: $100 Approval fee: $385 Late application fee: $963 |
| High impact | High impact: More than 50 crew, more than 10 trucks, significant equipment, large unit base, more than 4 locations. Application fee: $500 Late application fee: $2,000 |
Medium impact: More than 50 crew and cast, more than 10 trucks, significant equipment, large unit base, more than 4 locations. Application fee: $100 Approval fee: $670 Late application fee: $1,675 |
| Traffic management plan assessment | Low impact: $100 High impact: $300 |
Low impact: $140 Medium impact: $400 High impact: standard road closure fees |
Other fees and charges, such as ticket parking spaces and venue hire are not covered under the Local Government Filming Protocol. These fees and charges are detailed in our fees and charges schedule, which is updated each financial year.
