Working with Councils in South Australia

South Australia is a state where local knowledge and established relationships materially improve outcomes. While the overall filming environment is cooperative, councils and agencies operate independently and expectations, processes and turnaround times can vary significantly.

Location Professionals working in South Australia should:

• Confirm land ownership and jurisdiction early
• Engage councils and agencies well before locking locations
• Allow adequate time for environmental and cultural consultation
• Avoid assuming interstate processes or timelines apply locally

Smaller productions often benefit from South Australia’s film-friendly approach, however clarity of scope, early communication and realistic lead times remain essential.

To support Location Professionals working across metropolitan and regional South Australia, ALMG’s South Australia State Representative has prepared a comprehensive Local Council Filming Guide, outlining filming processes, contacts, indicative fees and response considerations for all councils across the state.

Download: South Australia Local Council Filming Guide (PDF)
(Prepared by ALMG SA State Representative)

This guide is intended as a practical reference for both visiting and locally based Location Professionals and should be used alongside direct council engagement and project-specific consultation.

Agencies to Allow Extra Time For

Department for Environment and Water (DEW): Responsible for National Parks, reserves, Crown Land and protected areas.

• Lead times vary depending on ranger consultation

• Drone use, night filming and high-impact activity require additional approvals

• Fees have increased in recent years (often around $1,000/day — discretionary and negotiable)

• Filming & photography guidelines: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/parks/filming-and-photography

Forestry SA: Manages pine plantations and natural forest areas close to Adelaide.

• Minimum four-week approval period

• Access not permitted on Total Fire Ban days (declared at 4pm the day prior)

• Filming, drone and photography guidance: https://www.forestrysa.com.au/industry/filming-photography-and-drones/

SA Water: Manages reservoirs and associated land holdings.

• Minimum four-week lead time

• No swimming permitted in reservoirs

• Access not permitted on Total Fire Ban days

• Initial contact via SA Water media team recommended

• Events & access requests: https://www.sawater.com.au/about-us/events-and-access-requests

Coober Pedy & Remote Regions: Coober Pedy operates heavily on in-person relationships and local engagement.

• Mining permits and claims required within precious stones fields

• Many approvals require face-to-face consultation

• Emails and phone calls may go unanswered without local presence

Breakaways National Park (near Coober Pedy): Managed by the Kanku Breakaways Board.

• Traditional Owner attendance required (minimum two)

• Approval timelines depend on activity and location

• Ground disturbance approvals may take up to 12 months

• All areas fall under Native Title — consultation via AMYAC is essential: https://www.amyac.org.au

Other Authorities & Considerations

Renewal SA: Manages surplus South Australian Government property for sale or lease.

• Generally difficult to engage

• Response times are often very slow

Universities: The University of Adelaide and UniSA have merged to form a single institution. In the immediate term:

• University of Adelaide filming handled by Marketing

• UniSA filming handled by Facilities

• Fees typically average around $2,000 per day (Processes expected to change as systems merge)

SA Film Corporation (SAFC): SAFC does not have authority over government departments or agencies. However, in rare cases, the SAFC CEO has escalated location issues to the Arts Minister as a last-resort support pathway.

Locations Currently Restricted or Unavailable

• Julia Farr Hospital — currently under demolition; filming no longer possible

• Port Gawler Dirt Bike Track — previously popular location; land now for sale and operators are less inclined to approve filming

STUDIOS

Adelaide Studios: South Australia’s primary studio facility, offering sound stages, production offices and post-production services within close proximity to Adelaide’s CBD and crew base.

State Screen Authority — Screen South Australia

Screen South Australia is South Australia’s state screen agency, supporting production through funding, incentives, studio access and practical production liaison. The agency works closely with Location Professionals, producers and councils to facilitate efficient approvals, provide strategic guidance, and support complex or high-impact productions across the state.

First Nations & Cultural Heritage Considerations — south australia

Location Professionals working in South Australia must treat First Nations engagement, cultural heritage responsibilities and Country-specific protocols as an integral part of the locations process.

All of South Australia — including Coober Pedy and surrounding regions — is subject to Native Title considerations.

Filming on national parks, conservation areas, waterways, pastoral land, mining regions and culturally sensitive sites may trigger consultation, monitoring requirements or formal approvals under South Australian legislation.

Early, informed and respectful engagement is essential. Location teams should:

• Identify the correct Traditional Owner groups early
• Allow sufficient time for consultation and attendance requirements
• Follow guidance regarding access, activity limits and site protection

Key starting points include:

• South Australian Native Title Services | +61 8 8110 2800 https://www.nativetitlesa.org

• Reconciliation SA | +61 8 7082 2977 https://www.reconciliationsa.org.au

• Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation | +61 8 7634 4510 https://www.amyac.com.au

Understanding when consultation is required, who to engage, and how to navigate these processes is a core responsibility of Location Professionals working in South Australia. Established local relationships can significantly streamline approvals while ensuring cultural obligations are met appropriately and respectfully.