Working with Councils & Agencies in Queensland

Queensland rewards Location Professionals who understand how the state actually operates.

For larger or more complex productions, best practice includes:

Confirming council jurisdiction and land management early

Accounting for regional variations in process and resourcing

Allowing time for environmental and cultural consultation where required

Engaging the state screen authority early for strategic guidance

Smaller productions can move efficiently when applications are realistic, well-documented and aligned with local expectations — but assumptions around uniform processes across councils should be avoided.

Agencies to Allow Extra Time For

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS)
Responsible for national parks, reserves and protected land.

Environmental assessments may be required

Drone use, night filming and high-impact activity require approval

Remote and environmentally sensitive locations involve extended lead times

Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
Required for filming impacting state-controlled roads and major transport corridors.

Traffic management planning is critical

Longer lead times apply for arterial routes and high-volume locations

Councils Known for High Filming Activity

Brisbane City Council and Gold Coast City Council are highly experienced with screen production, but operate within structured permitting frameworks that require early engagement, clear scope and realistic timelines — particularly in CBD, beachfront and event-heavy precincts.

Studios

Village Roadshow Studios, Gold Coast: Australia’s largest studio complex, supporting major international features, television series and large-scale productions.

Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane: Purpose-built studio facilities supporting film, television and digital production.

Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns: Studio facility servicing Far North Queensland and regional productions.

ABC Studios Brisbane: Television-focused production facilities supporting broadcast and factual content.

State Screen Authority — Screen Queensland

Screen Queensland is Queensland’s state screen agency, supporting production through funding, incentives, studio access and production liaison services. The agency works closely with Location Professionals, producers and councils to facilitate approvals, provide strategic guidance and support productions from initial enquiry through to delivery across metropolitan, regional and remote Queensland.

First Nations & Cultural Heritage Considerations - Queensland

Queensland is home to a large number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations, with distinct cultural, linguistic, and custodial responsibilities across the state. Filming may take place on, or impact, land and waters with deep cultural significance.

Location Professionals working in Queensland must be mindful that First Nations engagement may be required when filming on certain land tenures, in culturally sensitive areas, or where activities have the potential to impact Country, cultural heritage, or community interests.

Early, respectful engagement is essential. Consultation pathways can vary depending on:

• Location and land tenure

• Local Traditional Owner groups

• Statutory requirements

• The nature and scale of the proposed filming activity

Approaching First Nations engagement early helps productions:

• Identify cultural or heritage sensitivities

• Understand appropriate access and consent pathways

• Avoid delays or redesign late in the process

• Build trust and long-term relationships with communities

In Queensland, engagement is often required through recognised Traditional Owner bodies, land councils, or prescribed bodies corporate, rather than informal consultation. Location Professionals play a key role in guiding productions through the appropriate processes and ensuring engagement is handled respectfully and in line with both cultural expectations and statutory frameworks.

Productions are strongly encouraged to allow adequate time and resources for First Nations consultation, particularly when filming outside metropolitan areas or on Crown land, National Parks, or culturally significant sites.