Filming & photography

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's most beautiful cities and is often used as a filming back drop.

You must have a film production licence from us to film or take photographs for commercial purposes on areas we manage.

Examples of activities needing a licence include:

  • television shows and commercials
  • still photography (excluding wedding photography)
  • student filming
  • feature films.

City Laws Approvals Unit is a 'one stop shop' for filming and still photography applicants. We liaise with City stakeholders on your behalf and will support you throughout the application and filming process.

Most licence applications take 7 business days to assess but we may need more time to assess shoots that could impact the public, for example, those needing exclusive use of an area, secured parking, road closures or set construction.

We'll let you know if we need more time.

Location and licence fees

Licence fees may apply. See the section below to find out if you are eligible to apply for a nil application fee.

Location fees are not required to film on most Council-managed open areas, e.g. roads, parks, and beaches. If you need to use a Council-managed facility, for example, aquatic and community centres, a fee may apply.

Bond payments are sometimes required, for example, when there is a risk of damage to public infrastructure. We will tell you if a bond is required and how much when we've assessed your application.

Filming application support

Our City Laws Approvals Unit (CLA) is a 'one stop shop' for filming and still photography applicants. CLA liaises with stakeholders on your behalf and will support you throughout the application and filming process. Contact City Laws Approvals Unit the Group on 07 5667 5987.

We also offer a Film Attraction Program to provide location assistance and a financial incentive package.

How to apply

Use this application to apply for a filming or photography licence for any Council-managed areas, including filming at Council-managed property such as, an aquatic centre, sporting facility or community centre. Fees may apply for the use of facilities such as an aquatic centre, sporting facility or community centres. You are eligible for a nil application fee if you:

  • own, rent or lease a rateable property within the City of Gold Coast or
  • are a registered charity, voluntary sporting, community, religious or incorporated not-for-profit organisation.

Before you lodge an application, check What's On Gold Coast and My Neighbourhood for any scheduled events, Council projects or other activities that may clash with your proposed date and location.

Use one of the methods below to apply for a film production licence.

Online

Step 1.Gather your documents

For nil fee eligibility, provide a copy of one of the following:

  • signed lease agreement or details of property ownership
  • ASIC documentation detailing principal place of business
  • two bills (within last six months) detailing residential address or
  • registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).

You must also include the following supporting documentation with your application:

  • public liability insurance certificate of currency for a minimum AU$10 million. Students are usually covered by their institution's insurance.
  • for large productions, a site plan showing the location of filming, unit base, essentials, set, any equipment or activity that may impact the public
  • if you need to close a road or footpath, a Traffic Management Plan provided by a certified traffic management company
  • any applicable fee payment.

Step 2.Complete and submit our online form

Apply online

By email

Step 1.Gather your documents

For nil fee eligibility, provide a copy of one of the following:

  • signed lease agreement or details of property ownership
  • ASIC documentation detailing principal place of business
  • two bills (within last six months) detailing residential address or
  • registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).

You must also include the following supporting documentation with your application:

  • public liability insurance certificate of currency for a minimum AU$10 million. Students are usually covered by their institution's insurance.
  • for large productions, a site plan showing the location of filming, unit base, essentials, set, any equipment or activity that may impact the public
  • if you need to close a road or footpath, a Traffic Management Plan provided by a certified traffic management company
  • any applicable fee payment.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Film production licence form(PDF, 100KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Email your completed application form and supporting documentation to mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

For nil fee eligibility, provide a copy of one of the following:

  • signed lease agreement or details of property ownership
  • ASIC documentation detailing principal place of business
  • two bills (within last six months) detailing residential address or
  • registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).

You must also include the following supporting documentation with your application:

  • public liability insurance certificate of currency for a minimum AU$10 million. Students are usually covered by their institution's insurance.
  • for large productions, a site plan showing the location of filming, unit base, essentials, set, any equipment or activity that may impact the public
  • if you need to close a road or footpath, a Traffic Management Plan provided by a certified traffic management company
  • any applicable fee payment.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Film production licence form(PDF, 100KB)

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Submit your application at one of our customer service centres Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

For nil fee eligibility, provide a copy of one of the following:

  • signed lease agreement or details of property ownership
  • ASIC documentation detailing principal place of business
  • two bills (within last six months) detailing residential address or
  • registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).

You must also include the following supporting documentation with your application:

  • public liability insurance certificate of currency for a minimum AU$10 million. Students are usually covered by their institution's insurance.
  • for large productions, a site plan showing the location of filming, unit base, essentials, set, any equipment or activity that may impact the public
  • if you need to close a road or footpath, a Traffic Management Plan provided by a certified traffic management company
  • any applicable fee payment.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Film production licence form(PDF, 100KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Post your completed application and supporting documentation to:

City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GCMC QLD 9726

Amend a licence/permit

Use the Amend/licence permit form to apply to:

  • change your business or contact information
  • modify your operation or request a change to conditions of approval.

Cancel a licence/permit

Use the Cancel a licence/permit form to cancel an existing licence/permit. No fees apply.

Replace approval documentation

Use the Replace approval documentation form to apply for replacement approval documentation for your permit or licence. No fees apply.

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