Update: a processing fee now applies to film permit applications
Maroondah is a film-friendly city. We work with film makers to meet their filming needs, while ensuring the filming process does not affect residents or businesses within the community.
Filming in Maroondah includes television, feature films, advertising and television commercials, documentaries and music videos.
To ensure fair and sustainable management of filming activities within Maroondah, the charges will be split between low impact filming permit applications and high impact filming permit applications. Students will be exempt from these charges.
For more information please refer to these frequently asked questions:
Why are charges being introduced for filming permit applications?
The introduction of charges is necessary to cover the cost of administering the filming permit application process. This includes the resources required to review and process applications, conduct site inspections, and ensure compliance with the Filming Approval Act 2014.
The charges will also contribute to the efficient management of filming activities on public land, allowing us to allocate resources effectively and maintain a sustainable filming environment in Maroondah.
How will the charges be split between low impact and high impact filming permit applications?
The charges will be structured to differentiate between low impact and high impact filming permit applications.
Low impact non-commercial filming permit applications will have a lower fee, reflecting the minimal impact on public land and resources. This category includes filming activities with seven people or less, non-commercial purposes, non-TV broadcast, and no road or footpath closures. These permits require less administrative work and coordination. If changes are required following the application process, an additional charge of $50 will be incurred.
The fee for low impact filming is $75
High impact commercial and TV broadcast productions filming permit applications, which typically involve larger productions or more extensive use of public land, will have a higher fee to account for the additional resources required for management and oversight. These permits require extensive coordination, internal approvals, and may incur additional costs such as Traffic Management Plans and facility hire.
The fee for high impact filming is $490
If my filming permit application is denied, do I still need to pay the fee?
Yes. The fee is for the administration of the application, not the outcome. We will work with you to get a positive outcome but there are occasions when we will be unable to issue a film permit.
Will the charges apply to all filming activities within Maroondah?
Yes, the charges will apply to all filming activities that require a permit within Maroondah, including commercial productions, independent projects, and community initiatives.
The aim is to ensure fair and equitable management of filming activities while maintaining the vibrancy and sustainability of our community.
About filming in Maroondah
A filming permit is required from Maroondah City Council for all filming on Council owned land including:
- parks
- ovals
- local roads and footpaths
- buildings
- shopping strips.
This ensures your filming activities meet Council regulations.
Please note: a film permit does not automatically give the production exclusive access to the location.
Apply for filming approval
Is your filming activity low impact or high impact?
| Low impact |
A low impact filming activity must fit all of the following criteria:
If your film project doesn’t fit these criteria, you need to complete a high impact film permit.
To process a low impact filming permit, we will require:
|
| High impact |
A high impact filming activity has any of the following:
To process a high impact filming permit, we will require:
- completed permit application
- proof of your current public liability insurance (20 million)
- 10 business days’ notice
|
Apply online
A Guide to Filming in Maroondah
Before submitting a filming request read Council’s Guide to Filming in Maroondah handbook.
The guide includes information on:
- the filming application process
- potential fees and charges
- traffic and parking management
- external agencies and useful contacts.
A Guide to Filming in Maroondah(DOCX, 709KB)
A Guide to Filming in Maroondah(PDF, 831KB)
Filming with a drone
Council are not responsible for providing permission for the use of drones, but we recommend reading the information provided by Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
It is always important to comply with the relevant CASA requirements and be mindful of respecting personal privacy.
Photographing or filming a person without consent may breach Victorian State legislation.
Additional filming fees
Depending on the level of impact and/or usage of Council facilities, other fees may apply such as:
- hiring a sporting ground
- accessing parks and reserves
- assessing a traffic management plan.
We will discuss any additional fees with you upon receiving your full application.
Filming Approval Act 2014
The Filming Approval Act 2014 provides a statewide framework for the approval of filming permits. It outlines 8 film friendly principles and the guidelines for obtaining commercial filming permits on public land managed by local councils and state government agencies in Victoria.
Further information
For further information on filming in Maroondah please email digital@maroondah.vic.gov.au.
Other resources