business.gov.au

Approval for commercial filming / photography - Gold Coast City Council - Queensland

Description

You will need this approval if you intend to undertake commercial filming or photography on council land, including:

  • feature films
  • television commercials
  • television series
  • documentary
  • short films
  • travel shows
  • still photography shots.

Your local council is required to monitor the standards of film production on council property. They may inspect the set before, during and after film production depending on the type of activity being conducted and its level of compliance.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for this approval, you may be required to hold public liability insurance.

Depending on the complexity and nature of the shoot, you may be required to:

  • submit a site plan for each intended film location including unit base, essentials, set and equipment
  • obtain a traffic control permit / provide a traffic management plan
  • notify residents / businesses that may be affected by filming activities.

Duration

As specified

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Task Type Business Structure Description
Apply Application All

Application for licence for 1 - 7 days: 

  • if eligibility is met - $0.00
  • if eligibility isn't met - $641.00

Fees for 2025-26
Apply Application All

Application for licence for more than 7 days: 

  • if eligibility is met - $0.00
  • if eligibility isn't met - application fee for 1 - 7 days plus $209 per week or part thereof after the initial 7 days

Fees for 2025-26

Application process

Apply

To apply for this approval, you may be required to:

  • provide a site map for each location
  • provide a certificate of currency for public liability insurance
  • provide a resident / business notification letter if applicable
  • provide a safe work method statement / risk assessment if applicable
  • outline the budget for production
  • complete the approved application form
  • pay the prescribed fee.

Approval time

Minimum of 7 days. For more complex shoots, more time may be required.

Administering agency

Gold Coast City Council

Contact details

Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.