The huge cost and hassle for small content creators wanting to film in Tasmania’s national parks has been reduced, but the new streamlined pass is only a stopgap while the government works on reducing red tape even further.
Influencers and online creators are now able to buy a $100 Enthusiast Business Licence to film and photograph in Tasmanian parks and reserves.
It replaces the old Commercial Filming Licence, which cost $440, required public liability insurance, had to be applied for at least 28 days ahead and only covered specific dates and locations.
The new licence lasts two years, doesn’t require insurance and is open to anyone using handheld devices on formed tracks in accessible areas.
It doesn’t cover drone use, which Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife said raises several potential negative impacts such as disturbance to wildlife and the privacy of visitors.
A Tasmania Parks and Wildlife spokesperson said the licence “allows for the sale of content or receipt of consideration in exchange for content”.
“Tasmania is renowned for its pristine wilderness and unique natural and cultural values,” the spokesperson said.
“We recognise the merit in responsible promotion of our parks and reserves while also ensuring our wild places remain protected for the enjoyment of future generations.”
The spokesperson said the enthusiast licence “is designed to be a temporary solution while legislative reform work to further reduce red tape for small content creators is undertaken”.
Under Tasmanian law, anyone who earns income from an activity on parks land must hold a business licence.
Legislative change is needed to remove that requirement for small creators.
Park Minister Nick Duigan said he didn’t want creators overburdened with regulation.
“What we want is people enjoying our national parks,” he said.
“We’ve made changes to those small content creators, so they can go into our national parks and make a video at a relatively low cost and an easy access.”
But he warned parks still needed protecting.
“What we don’t want to see is our parks being loved to death or people making videos about how you can go off track and do damage,” he said.
“Tasmania’s parks are managed under the principles of Leave No Trace and that’s what we would like to see.”
Asked whether licence holders would need to share their social media handles with authorities, Duigan said more work was being done on the issue and legislative change was likely needed to reach the final outcome.
“There is a responsibility on the people who are making the content to send the right message,” he said.
