Filming and photography approval

From our stunning shorelines to our tranquil forests, Moreton Bay has many locations suitable for film production, photography, and media promotions.  

Filming activities that need Council approval

The following activities require Council approval:

  • feature and short films
  • news media/multimedia
  • media promotional activities
  • outside broadcasting
  • documentaries
  • television and radio programs and commercials
  • corporate/music videos
  • remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) filming and photography
  • one-off photoshoots.

Recurring photoshoots will require both a commercial use of public land and roads approval and filming approval. An example of a recurring shoot is when a photographer charges a family to take portraits in a park on an ongoing basis. Refer to Selling services on public land and roads.

Some filming may not need approval if the production is considered low risk. If you are unsure whether your activity requires an approval, contact Council. 

Low-impact filming production

Low-impact film production and media promotion refers to activities that typically last less than 5 consecutive days. A low-impact activity does not involve:

  • the assembly of temporary buildings or structures
  • traffic management or parking restrictions
  • fireworks.

Additional low-impact classification is at the discretion of Council.

You need to submit your application with all supporting documentation a minimum of 10 business days before starting filming or promotions.

High-impact filming production

A high-impact filming production is filming that includes:

  • the assembly of temporary buildings or structures
  • traffic management or parking restrictions
  • fireworks.

You need to submit your application and all supporting documentation a minimum of 20 business days before starting filming or promotions.

Filming on state and federal land

Council cannot assess productions on state and federal roads or reserves. This includes marine and national parks. Contact the relevant authority to obtain approval for these locations.

How to apply

Step 1.Prepare a site plan

Prepare a detailed site plan for each location using the filming site plan template(DOCX, 927KB).

Step 2.Complete a risk management plan

Complete the Risk management plan template(PDF, 269KB).

Step 3.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 in the same name as the applicant should be provided with your application.

Ensure the location listed on your policy includes public land, for example, Anywhere in Australia or Worldwide. This must be outlined either on your certificate of currency or the terms and conditions of your policy and provided to Council. If this is not listed, obtain written confirmation from your insurer.

Any other party or provider associated with your activity should also have public liability insurance and provide evidence of this cover to the organiser.

Step 4.Collect supporting documents

The following supporting documents may be required and will need to be submitted with the Commercial use of land and roads application:

  • evidence this production will benefit or promote the Moreton Bay region
  • a traffic management plan (if applicable).

Step 5.Review conditions

Review and understand the:

Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed.

Step 6.Review the fees and charges

An application fee is payable at the time of submission per Council’s fees and charges. Council will contact you for payment.

The first column is the type of fee, the second column advises the fee amount, and the third column explains the fee's purpose.

Fee type  Amount Details
Application fee low impact 201206 This is a one-time fee paid when submitting your application.  
Application fee high impact 200995 This is a one-time free paid when submitting your application.
Commercial use of public land daily charge 201193 Applies if approved. Charged per day for activities that are commercial in nature.
Amendment application fee  201207 Payable when an application to change an existing approval is submitted. There is no fee for minor changes, for example, trading name or contact details.
Transfer application fee  201208 Payable when an application to transfer an existing approval to another person or business is submitted. Note: Not all approvals are eligible for transfer. Check the approval conditions before applying.
Bond low impact 201213 Security bond for low impact events or filming. Amount is based on potential impact to public land and determined by Council.
Bond high impact 201192 Security bond for high impact events or filming. Amount is based on potential impact to public land and determined by council.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees with evidence of eligibility.

Step 7.Complete an application form

Download and complete the filming section of the Events application(PDF, 638KB) form.

Submit your completed application along with supporting documentation using any of the below options:

The applicant for an approval must be a legal entity, such as an individual, private company, company, incorporated body, unincorporated body, partnership, body corporate or trustee.

Fee exemptions

Council may waive fees for film productions and media promotions for:

  • not-for-profit and community organisations
  • persons who are filming a production or carrying out a media promotion which reflects positively on City of Moreton Bay
  • students studying at an educational institution.

If you are a student applying for a fee exemption, you must provide:

  • evidence from the higher educational institution confirming proof of enrolment in the relevant subject/unit
  • letter from the higher educational institution stating that the production will be conducted for the enrolled course
  • Certificate of currency for Public liability insurance issued by the higher educational institution.

However, Council may change a fee if you need to amend your application.

Council's role in regulating filming

Council regulates these activities under Events Local Law 2023. We do this to ensure filming activities are carried out safely while taking other public space users and residents into consideration and to maintain the purpose and amenity of our public spaces.

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