‘Impossible to earn a living’: YouTubers continue war on PWS Tasmania filming rules

The fight on filming regulations in Tasmania’s parks has fired up again, with two content creators saying regulations make it “impossible to earn a living”.

YouTuber Rob Parsons says the commercial filming permits issued by Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife have left him "between a rock and a hard place". Picture: Supplied.

Tasmanian content creators are continuing to warn of film and licensing red tape in the state’s parks, putting at risk the “modern day explorer,” as Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) begins a review of current commercial filming processes.

Tasmanian YouTubers Levi Triffitt, of channel Tassie Boys Prospecting, and Rob Parsons, who has a self-titled channel, began obtaining business licenses in August after being fined for unauthorised drone use and lack of a filming business license.

The process to obtain a business license has again reached a standstill, with both YouTubers saying the regulations in their commercial filming permits would make it “impossible to earn a living”.

Mr Parsons aired his frustrations to his 65,000-strong subscriber base recently, stating he was “stuck between a rock and a hard place”.

Rob Parsons and his self-titled YouTube channel were found to be in breach of PWS' regulations for filming, alongside YouTuber Levi Triffitt. (Supplied: Facebook)

“The only option I have is to continue to make videos in their reserves as I was for the previous five years, but not with a view for monetary gain,” he said.

Conditions in the $440 commercial filming permit include walking on and camping in designated tracks and refraining from filming Grade 4 and 5 walking tracks.

“It makes me think that PWS is only concerned with people exploring areas that won’t make profits and instead want to make money off the people who can be role models for how to treat our parks,” Mr Parsons said.

Mr Triffitt mirrored Mr Parson’s concerns, saying it is “hypocrisy” for PWS to allow regular citizens to walk and camp off designated tracks, but those who film it cannot.

Tassie Boys Prospecting YouTuber Levi Triffitt said that PWS' regulations around filming in the state's parks are outdated. (Supplied: Instagram)

“It’s a missed opportunity by [PWS] really, we could educate people on the right ways to move around and treat our parks,” he said.

To continue making videos for his 3.3mn channel viewers, Mr Triffitt has said he will travel interstate for videos.

He said obtaining filming permits for parks in Queensland and New South Wales “is easier and streamlined,” taking just two days for approval in NSW.

Mr Triffitt also expressed the difficulty he experienced in trying to discuss his filming permit with PWS.

While PWS has confirmed they are starting a review of the commercial filming permit process, a spokeswoman has said the rules for Tasmanian parks are “in place to protect the natural and cultural values of sensitive environments”.

“Under the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002, any person who undertakes an activity on reserved land and earns an income from that activity must apply for a business licence,” she said.

“Should a licence holder wish to film on unformed tracks or pursue any other activity outside of the terms of their business licence, they are advised to contact PWS for further assessment. This enables PWS to assess applications on merit and ensure any potential impacts to natural and cultural values are considered.”

PWS also defended its ban on Grade 4 and 5 tracks, stating that “fragile and pristine environments” must be protected and ensure the safety of beginner or intermediate bushwalkers.