Filming and Photography
Capture the essence of White Bay Power Station on camera. From dramatic and expansive spaces through to hidden corridors and unexpected gems, this Sydney landmark offers an evocative setting for your next film or photography project.
Placemaking NSW (PMNSW) is committed to supporting and promoting local, national and international film, television and photography industries by creating a film-friendly environment.
PMNSW locations support the Local Government Filming Protocol for location filming in New South Wales and is responsible for issuing permits for filming and photography activities across PMNSW owned or managed locations. All requirements of the Protocol must be met before a permit is issued and the activity is approved.
Applying for a permit
To apply for a permit, please complete the form here and email to venuehire@property.nsw.gov.au.
All completed applications must be lodged with full and complete details, which are not subject to change. Applications with missing or incomplete details will be rejected.This includes applications received inside the lead times specified in the Lead Times section.Your activity will be assessed based on the information you provide in this form.
Your booking or permit is not confirmed until your payments have been processed and you have received a written confirmation from Placemaking NSW representatives.
Your booking or notification if approved by Placemaking NSW does not provide you with permission to use all areas at White Bay Power Station (ie. Restricted Areas) for your shoot, this includes internal and external facilities.
All fields in the form are mandatory, you must fill or upload the relevant documentation to these sections to proceed with an application submission.
Your application must include, but is not limited to:
- Copy of your public liability insurance for a minimum of $20 million.
- Risk Assessment.
- Production schedule.
- Infrastructure plans. Draft site plans must be provided. Maps can be found here.
- Specific equipment list, with details of scene specific equipment including but not limited to dolly and track, Steadicam, and 10K light. Stating ‘film equipment’ without further detail will not be accepted. This includes all special equipment including but not limited to cranes, cherry pickers, and tracking vehicles. Set dressing must be complete with what and where is being proposed (including details of removing any existing signs or assets).
- Catering or unit locations. Details of where and what is required, including total infrastructure.
Lead Times
Each application must be lodged with a minimum of 3 business days lead time for a Low Impact activity and a minimum of 10 business days lead time for a Medium to Ultra High Impact activity before the bump-in date or first shoot date – whichever comes first.
Applications received outside of the minimum lead time may be rejected. While approval is possible for late applications in unique circumstances, late application fees will apply.
Insurance Requirements
All film projects must have public liability insurance and a copy of the certificate of currency must be provided along with the application before any approvals can be provided. All applicants are required to hold a minimum of $20 million AUD coverage.
Fees and charges are determined by the size of your production and where you would like to shoot.
| Low | Medium | High | Ultra-High | |
| People on-site | < 10 crew | 11 - 20 crew | 21 - 50 crew | > 50 crew |
| Vehicles on-site | 1 essential vehicle | 2 - 3 essential vehicles | 4 essential vehicles | > 10 essential vehicles |
| Construction or site builds | Minimal structure | 2 - 3 structures | > 3 structures | > 5 structures |
| Equipment in use | Minimal equipment (handheld/tripod camera, lighting, props) | Equipment used (including jib, dolly etc.) | Extensive equipment | Extensive equipment |
| Requirements | Filming and Photography Licence Agreement | Filming and Photography Licence Agreement | Filming and Photography Licence Agreement | Filming and Photography Licence Agreement |
| Fees | ||||
| Entertainment Hall | ||||
| Venue Hire Fees, per day (incl. GST) | $3,000.00 | $4,000.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Bond | $1,000.00 | $2,000.00 | N/A | N/A |
| External Unit Base | ||||
| Venue Hire Fees, per day (incl. GST) | $8,000.00 | $9,000.00 | $10,000.00 | $12,000.00 |
| Bond | $1,000.00 | $2,500.00 | $5,000.00 | $8,000.00 |
| Turbine Hall / Pump House | ||||
| Venue Hire Fees, per day (incl. GST) | $8,000.00 | $9,000.00 | $10,000.00 | $12,000.00 |
| Bond | $1,000.00 | $2,500.00 | $5,000.00 | $8,000.00 |
| Boiler House | ||||
| Venue Hire Fees, per day (incl. GST) | $8,000.00 | $9,000.00 | $10,000.00 | $12,000.00 |
| Bond | $1,000.00 | $2,500.00 | $5,000.00 | $8,000.00 |
| Whole Venue | ||||
| Venue Hire Fees, per day (incl. GST) | $10,000.00 | $11,000.00 | $12,000.00 | $14,000.00 |
| Bond | $1,000.00 | $2,500.00 | $5,000.00 | $8,000.00 |
Additional Fees
Shoots that need to be overseen by PMNSW representatives or require additional services will incur additional fees:
- Security, Site Representaive or cleaning staff: $78.00 per hour, minimum 4 hour call out applicable per shift
- 10% loading for call times commencing between 4am and 6am; 15% loading for call times commencing between 10pm and 4am; 250% loading for public holidays
- Hours required will be determined on review of your application information
- Upon request; other services such as equipment provision, maintenance etc. will be charged as per approved quotes.
Once an application is received and processed, cancellations will only be accepted in writing to venuehire@property.nsw.gov.au.
No refund of fees, additional to the application fee, will be issued for cancellations that are received less than 5 working days before the first shoot date.
- A Placemaking NSW team member will contact you. We may require revisions or changes, but we will work with you throughout the process.
- If your application is successful, a permit will be issued that lists approved details and conditions. You must have the permit onsite at all times while filming.
- Any additional permit approvals will be included in your successful application notification.
- A Placemaking NSW team member will contact you by email. Depending on the changes required, you may need to re-apply.
For any further queries, please get in touch at venuehire@property.nsw.gov.au.