Working with Councils & Agencies in South Australia

South Australia is a state where local knowledge and established relationships materially improve outcomes.

For larger productions or complex locations, Location Professionals should:

Engage councils and agencies early

Confirm land ownership and jurisdiction before locking locations

Allow time for cultural and environmental consultation where required

Collaborate closely with the state screen authority when challenges arise

Smaller productions often benefit from South Australia’s cooperative approach, but should still avoid assuming uniform processes across councils or regions.

Agencies to Allow Extra Time For

Department for Environment and Water (DEW)
Responsible for national parks, reserves and protected areas.

Environmental and heritage considerations may extend timelines

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

Early engagement is strongly recommended

Coastal & Marine Authorities
Filming along coastlines, jetties and marine environments may involve layered approvals and environmental assessments.

Councils Known for Practical Filming Pathways

Many South Australian councils are experienced with screen production and take a pragmatic approach when applications are clear and well-prepared. Turnaround times are generally reasonable, though festival periods and peak event seasons can affect availability.

As always, outcomes improve significantly when Location Professionals understand local expectations and consult early.

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.

Requirements vary depending on land tenure, council boundaries, state agency oversight and the relevant Traditional Owner group. Filming on national parks, conservation areas, waterways, coastal zones, regional land, pastoral leases and culturally sensitive sites may trigger consultation, cultural heritage assessments or formal approvals under South Australian legislation.

Early, informed and respectful engagement is essential. Location teams should allow adequate time for consultation processes, ensure the correct Traditional Owner groups are identified and contacted, and follow guidance provided regarding access conditions, activity limitations, monitoring requirements or cultural sensitivities.

In South Australia, understanding when consultation is required, who to engage, and how to navigate cultural heritage processes is a core responsibility of Location Professionals — particularly when working on regional, environmental or high-impact locations. Established local knowledge and existing relationships can significantly streamline this process while ensuring cultural obligations are met appropriately and respectfully.