For staff review - Filming Application and Permit Policy

The City of the Blue Mountains is located within the Ngurra (Country) of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples. Blue Mountains City Council recognises that Dharug and Gundungurra Traditional Owners have a continuous and deep connection to their Country and that this is of great cultural significance to Aboriginal people, both locally and in the region.

Blue Mountains City Council is seeking feedback from staff on its draft Filming Application & Permit Policy.

Blue Mountains City Council considers filming applications and issues permits for filming activity to take place on Council Managed Land. This process includes consideration of the ongoing impact of activities to the environment, community and heritage.

Considering the impact of extra-ordinary use on Council Managed Lands filming activity can attract drives the need for a formal Filming Application and Permit Operation Policy to be established.

This Policy, which you can download here or to the right of this page, sets out Council's commitment to offering opportunities locally, regionally and beyond not only within this creative sector but as part of a greater economic environment.

The key elements of the Policy are:

1. Under the provisions for filming approvals in the Local Government Act, councils must grant an application for filming unless there are compelling reasons not to do so.
2. There is a presumption that filming activities are allowed on public land. However, filming on public land is always subject to conditions and exclusions in the applicable plan of management (where this exists), which governs the use and management of that land.
3. Council fees and charges associated with location filming must be reasonable and cost-reflective and should be included in Council’s annual Operational Plan and Revenue Policy.
4. The Policy recognises that location filming requires a balance between the interests of the local community – both residents and businesses – and the screen industry’s requirements. The Policy refers filmmakers, councils and the general public to codes of conduct for filmmakers, including matters such as safety.

The Blue Mountains City Council Filming Policy aligns with the guiding framework of the NSW Government’s Local Government Filming Protocol.

Council welcomes feedback on whether the Policy clearly outlines expectations and provides appropriate guidance to support inclusive and accessible events across the Blue Mountains.

Submissions can be made here via the Have Your Say survey or emailed directly to Administration Officer, Natasha Hallahan via nhallahan@bmcc.nsw.gov.au

Consultation closes Friday, 15 May 2026