Armidale Regional Council welcomes filming and photography projects within the local government area.
This application process applies to filming and still photography on Council-owned property, parks, reserves, roads, footpaths and other public spaces managed by Council.
Contact Council before applying
- Phone: 1300 136 833
- Email: council@armidale.nsw.gov.au
- Address: 135 Rusden Street, Armidale NSW 2350
Before you apply
Please ensure you have read the filming guidelines and Code of Conduct below, as these form part of the conditions of any filming approval. Submission of an application does not constitute a filming permit or location contract. Applications containing inaccurate information may result in approval being cancelled.
Information you will need to provide
Your online application will require information about:
- Applicant and production company details
- Production contacts (Producer, Production Manager and Location Manager)
- Production title and summary
- Proposed filming locations
- Filming dates and times, including wet weather or backup dates
- Description of activities
- Parking requirements
- Any special activities or high-impact filming elements
Activities requiring additional details
Please advise if your production involves any of the following:
- Temporary traffic control
- Road closures
- Street dressing
- Crime or emergency reconstructions
- Fire effects
- Special effects (SFX)
- Camera cranes or tracks
- Driving sequences or car chases
- Crowd control or security
- Stunts
- Generators
- Firearms or gunfire
- Temporary structures
- Scaffolding
- Animals
- Children
- Smoke effects
- Cherry pickers or lighting towers
- Low loaders
- Cast dressed as police or emergency services
- Playback equipment
Many of these activities may also require approval from other relevant authorities, including NSW Police, Transport for NSW, EPA, RSPCA, NSW Office of the Children's Guardian, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Department of Lands.
Supporting documentation
Depending on the nature of your production, you may be required to provide:
- Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency
- Traffic Management Plan
- Parking Plan
- Authorised Safety Report
- Community Notification Letter
- Environmental Management Plan
Application Fees
Upon submission, applicants agree to pay any applicable fees associated with the filming application. Council will acknowledge receipt of your application and advise the anticipated processing timeframe.
For fee enquiries, please contact Council's Communications team on 1300 136 833 or communications@armidale.nsw.gov.au.
Code of Conduct for Location Filming
Successful filming relies on positive relationships between filmmakers, residents, businesses, Council and other agencies. Applicants must adhere to the following principles.
Before the shoot
Community Notification
- Obtain all relevant approvals.
- Notify affected residents and businesses of filming activities.
- Provide contact details for production representatives.
- Allow adequate notice for community feedback where filming may significantly impact local amenity.
- Notify Council, Police and the community when filming on private land may affect surrounding areas.
- Consider impacts on local businesses and access.
Cast and crew briefings
Ensure all cast and crew understand filming approvals, conditions and any special requirements attached to the location or permit.
Parking
- Coordinate parking arrangements with Council.
- Consult with affected residents where parking impacts are expected.
- Arrange alternative parking where appropriate.
Health and Safety
- Undertake risk assessments for all filming locations.
- Maintain appropriate public liability insurance.
- Obtain all necessary licences and permits.
During the shoot
Parking and Access
- Comply with all parking regulations.
- Do not obstruct driveways, disabled parking spaces or restricted areas.
- Minimise impacts on residents and businesses.
Noise Management
- Keep noise to a minimum, especially before 7am and during night shoots.
- Ensure generators are silenced where possible.
- Obtain appropriate permissions for music playback.
Traffic Management
- Maintain safe and efficient traffic movement.
- Use authorised personnel for traffic control.
- Keep pedestrian access available unless otherwise approved.
Businesses and Community
- Avoid blocking access to businesses and residences.
- Do not store equipment where it impacts business operations.
- Support local businesses where practical.
Permits
Copies of all approvals must be available on site at all times and productions must comply with all permit conditions.
Emergency Access
Access to emergency services, fire exits and utilities must remain unobstructed.
Site Management
- Remove litter daily.
- Follow industry safety standards.
- Manage stunts, special effects and firearms safely and in accordance with approvals.
After the shoot
- Return locations to their original condition.
- Remove equipment and temporary infrastructure unless otherwise approved.
- Report any damage.
- Participate in site inspections where required.
Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in approvals being revoked and may affect future filming applications.
Bonds and additional charges
Council may require a bond, which may be used to rectify damage caused by filming activities. Where no damage occurs, the bond will be refunded. Production companies may also hire Council equipment or staff where available. Additional charges may apply.