In 2008, the NSW Government announced a package of measures to slash red-tape and give filmmakers easier access to prime locations.

The measures contained in the package include:

• Creating a presumption that filming activities will be allowed on community land, Crown reserves and National Parks, provided heritage and environmental values are preserved;
• Requiring local councils to approve filming-related applications unless exceptional circumstances exist;
• Requiring councils to give written reasons for refusing a film application;
• Ensuring fees associated with filming are limited to a transparent cost-recovery basis;
• Exempting short-term filming activities on public or private land from requiring development approval;
• Streamlining the approvals process for temporary structures used in filming such as catering tents or sets;
• Exempting large vehicles from the one-hour time limit when parked in connection with permitted filming activity;
• Issuing new RTA guidelines to give local councils a clear and consistent framework for managing film-related road closures and parking; and
• Applying a revised Local Government Filming Protocol to all councils

These initiatives are designed to encourage a film friendly dialogue between all stakeholders involved in film and television production and to facilitate filmmaking in Sydney and around the State. The FTO will continue to provide a liaison service between the industry and state and local government departments, and will assist all parties with training and advice on the film friendly principles.