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City of Wollongong

Filming and Photography

Wollongong has plenty of amazing scenery and locations for filming and photography.

When you need permission

Commercial filming and photography

To film or photograph on land owned or managed by Wollongong City Council for commercial reasons, you will need to get permission by lodging an application.

This applies to all filming-related activity (including filming, parking, catering, unit sites, etc) at locations including:

  • Outdoor areas such as parks, beaches, lookouts, road, footpaths, car parks and other open spaces.
  • Indoor spaces such as aquatic centres, libraries or community centres.

If your filming activity will occur in Wollongong, but not on land owned or managed by Council, you will need to notify us but no application is needed. See the 'Filming on private property' section of this page for more information about the notification process.

Recreational filming and photography

You do not need to get approval from, or notify, Council for recreational filming and photography shoots. This applies to:

  • Videography and photography as a hobby (including drone use)
  • Student videography and photography
  • Wedding videography and photography (including drone use) – for more information, please see the 'Wedding photography and videography' section of this page.

Application deadlines and impact levels

The lead-time needed for your application will depend on the impact level of your filming or photography shoot. Council reserves the right to review each application on an individual basis, and to determine the time required for assessment and approval.

Applications must be lodged with full and complete details, and final documentation. Please see the 'Prepare your documentation' section under 'Steps to lodge a filming application' below for details of the documents required.

Applications with incomplete details or missing documentation will be rejected. If this happens, you will need to re-apply, noting the deadlines below.

Any changes to your application after lodgement will incur reassessment fees, and you will need to lodge a new application, noting the deadlines below.  If these changes result in your shoot falling into a higher impact level, fees for the new impact level will apply. Late application fees may also apply.

If you are unable to meet the deadlines outlined below, reach out to Council's events team by email or on (02) 4227 7111 to discuss.

Impact levelCriteriaDeadlineFee
Ultra-lowMaximum 10 crew, maximum 2 locations, no changes to traffic conditions, no lighting, no infrastructure, or unit base.5 full business days before bump-inFree
LowMaximum 25 crew, maximum 3 locations, no changes to traffic conditions, minimal equipment and lighting, small unit base only.7 full business days before bump-inSee fees list below
MediumMaximum 50 crew, maximum 5 locations, no changes to traffic conditions, some equipment (including dolly, jibs), medium unit base.10 full business days before bump-inSee fees list below
HighA shoot is considered high impact shoot if it meets any of the following criteria: More than 50 crew, more than 5 locations, changes to traffic conditions, extensive equipment, or large unit base.8-10 weeks’ notice before bump-inSee fees list below

Late applications

The assessment of late application may be possible for ultra-low, low, and medium impact shoots. Additional fees apply to late applications as shown in the Fees section below.

Note that approval of late applications is not guaranteed. The late application fee does not guarantee that your planned activity will be approved for your requested date/s; however, it covers the cost of administration to work towards this.

Steps to lodge a filming application

You must get approval to film for commercial purposes on land that is owned or managed by Wollongong City Council.

If none of your filming activity, including unit sites, parking and shooting, will occur on Wollongong City Council owned or managed land, you will not need a permit. However, in these cases you will need to notify us of your activity. See the Filming on private property section of this page for more information.

Applications must be lodged with full and complete details and final documentation. Applications with incomplete details or missing documentation will be rejected, and you will need to re-apply, noting the deadlines above.

Information

A full and complete application includes the following information:

  • Production contact information
  • Production Summary
  • Filming dates and locations (noting any exclusive access areas)
  • Personnel and vehicle numbers
  • Impact level
  • List of equipment, temporary structures, and inclusions with details
  • Description of filming activity

Attachments

A full and complete application includes the following attachments:

  • A detailed map for each location that is owned/managed by Wollongong City Council. This should include:
    • The location of filming activity clearly marked (including detail – on footpath, road, field/park, beach, moving vehicle etc.)
    • Location of vehicles clearly marked – essential vehicles, private vehicles, and unit vehicles.
    • Location of unit base, rigging and any temporary structures.
    • Drone launching / landing locations, and radius of operation (if relevant).
  • Public Liability Insurance (minimum $20 million), with Wollongong City Council listed as an interested party.
  • Risk Management plan
  • Shooting schedule
  • Vehicle Information:
    • A list of production vehicles including type, size, and registration details.
    • A parking plan specifying street names, time period and number of spaces required.
  • Evidence of approval from other agencies and private landowners (if relevant).
  • Traffic Guidance Scheme - previously Traffic Management Plan (if relevant)
  • Environmental Plan (if relevant)
  • Resident Notification Plan (required for all high impact shoots, available on request for other impact levels)
  • Drone licences (if relevant).

If you have any questions about your application, please call Council on (02) 4227 7111 or email our Events team.

Before you can apply, you need to log in or register in our Online Services system.

Once you are logged in, select Lodge an Application, then Use of Public Land and Filming and Photography.

During this process you'll need to pay the application fee, which is determined by the size of your production. For more information about fees and charges, please see below.

Please note: Applications must be lodged with full and complete details and final documentation. See the 'Prepare your documentation' section above for details. Applications with incomplete details or missing documentation will be rejected, and you will need to re-apply, noting the deadlines shown on this page.

A Filming Officer will be in contact with you once your application has been reviewed. We will confirm if Council is able to assess and permit your filming activity before your requested bump-in date.

If the application is not full and complete, your application will be rejected and you will need to re-apply, noting the deadlines shown on this page.

Depending on the specific requirements for your film shoot, Council may require clarification or additional documentation. Approval is not guaranteed if this information is received after the deadline provided.

If your activity is approved, we will issue you with a permit that includes all agreed conditions. Any activity requested in your application that has not been approved will be communicated to you.

Please make sure you have your permit with you onsite during bump-in, filming and bump-out.

Fees

Note:

  • Fees are based on the impact level for your shoot, as shown in the 'Application deadlines and impact levels' section of this page.
  • Re-assessment fees for Ultra Low impact shoots will be charged at a rate to recover costs for services provided by Council.
  • Additional fees may apply for venue hire, exclusive access, road closures or other Council applications to support your shoot. These requests must be made as separate applications, and should be finalised before you apply for filming or photography.

Filming fees

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 items
Parent HierachyArea Fee NameFee Name GSTGST Current Fee (incl. GST)Current Fee (incl. GST)
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameUltra Low Impact GSTN Fee DescriptionFree
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameLow Impact GSTN Current Fee$150.00
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameFilming Reassessment - Low Impact GSTN Current Fee$114.00
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameMedium Impact GSTN Current Fee$300.00
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameFilming Reassessment - Medium Impact GSTN Current Fee$225.00
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameHigh Impact GSTN Current Fee$500.00
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameFilming Reassessment - High Impact GSTN Current Fee$375.00
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameCost recovery for services provided by Council GSTN Fee Descriptionat direct cost
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameBond GSTN Fee Description$600 up to $1,195
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Filming Application Fees Fee NameFast Track Fee - Filming GSTN Current Fee$320.00

Photography fees

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 items
Parent HierachyArea Fee NameFee Name GSTGST Current Fee (incl. GST)Current Fee (incl. GST)
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Photography Application Fees Fee NameUltra Low Photography Fee - Commercial GSTN Current Fee$27.50
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Photography Application Fees Fee NamePhotography Reassessment - Ultra Low Impact GSTN Current Fee$20.50
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Photography Application Fees Fee NameLow Impact - 11 - 25 crew and cast, up to 4 vans / trucks, minimal equipment, no construction GSTN Current Fee$57.50
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Photography Application Fees Fee NamePhotography Reassessment - Low Impact GSTN Current Fee$43.00
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Photography Application Fees Fee NameMedium / High Impact - More than 25 crew and cast, more than 4 trucks / vans, some construction, some equipment / structures, up to 4 locations GSTN Current Fee$115.00
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Photography Application Fees Fee NamePhotography Reassessment - Medium/High Impact GSTN Current Fee$85.00
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Photography Application Fees Fee NameCost recovery for services provided by Council GSTN Fee Descriptionat direct cost
Parent HierachyPublic Relations | Photography Application Fees Fee NameFast Track Fee - Photography GSTN Current Fee$108.00

More information

Want exclusive use of a park, beach or other outdoor space for your shoot? You’ll need to make a beach or park booking.

Many of our foreshore areas, including Wollongong Harbour, are Crown Land. If your shoot is on Crown Land, you will need to get permission from NSW Crown Lands.

You may also need Council’s permission if your shoot will impact other public spaces.

To confirm if a site is Crown Land call us on (02) 4227 7111.

If you’re filming private property, you don’t need to apply for a permit, but you will need to notify Wollongong City Council if your shoot is for commercial purposes.

Please email us the following information:

  • Company details
  • A description of the filming to take place
  • The proposed location/s for your shoot
  • Start and end dates / times
  • Number of Cast, Crew and vehicles involved
  • Drone information (if applicable)
  • Details of expected disruption to the surrounding area such as noise, vibrations, release of smells and the use of lighting or special effects.
  • Copies of resident notification letters / plan.
  • Copies of approvals that you need from other public authorities such as the Police.

You must also follow the NSW Government’s planning restrictions that relate to the property.

Sea Cliff Bridge and Lawrence Hargrave Drive are popular locations for film and photography shoots.

If you have questions about a proposed filming activity that includes Sea Cliff Bridge or Lawrence Hargrave Drive, email Transport for NSW.

Please note: if you are planning to launch or land a drone on Council land near Sea Cliff Bride or Lawrence Hargrave Drive, you will need to apply to Council for permission.

If your filming activity involves any changes to traffic conditions (including stop/slow, hold and release, full road closure etc) you will need to apply for an additional approval from Council or Transport for NSW.

You should allow a minimum of 8 - 10 weeks for the road closure approval process.

  • For closures on local roads, you will need approval from Council through a Section 138 Application. See our Works on Roads and Footpaths page for details and a link to our online application form.
  • For closures on state or regional roads, you will need approval from Transport for NSW.

If your filming application to Council includes changes to traffic conditions, your shoot will be considered high impact and will need to submit your filming application 8 - 10 weeks before bump-in.

Before you fly a drone or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), it’s important you know the regulations that apply. You must include proof of the correct licences in your application.

Visit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) website to see all the rules that apply.

If you are proposing to launch, land or operate a drone on Council land for commercial purposes, you will need to apply to Wollongong City Council for permission.

If you are proposing to launch, land or operate a drone for commercial purposes on land that is not owned or managed by Council, you don't need to apply for permission, but you must notify Wollongong City Council by email. See the Filming on private property section above for details of the information you should include in your notification.

You generally don’t need permission or a booking to take wedding photos in public spaces across Wollongong. We just ask that you don’t disturb other people enjoying these areas.

If you’re planning a more complex photo shoot, you may need to submit an application. Please email us or call (02) 4227 7111 to discuss your plans with a Filming Officer before lodging so we can determine what is required.

If you want exclusive use of an area for wedding photography, you will also need to make a beach or park booking.