Brimbank council has rejected a permit application from producers wanting to shoot the next Struggle Street in Sunshine.
Chair of administrators John Watson said it was “bitterly disappointed” production company KEO Films wanted to film in the suburb.
He also said the council was “extremely disappointed” Film Victoria and Screen Australia were funding the program which would not “accurately reflect our community”, based on previous editions.
“We are also very concerned about the potential for vulnerable community members being taken advantage of for the sake of television ratings,” he said.
“It’s fair to say we share the concerns of the community that were raised in October last year when it was first rumoured the television series would be filmed in Sunshine.
“Brimbank is a very proud community and while there are areas of disadvantage, like all other municipalities, there are also many opportunities that promote and celebrate pride of place.”
He said the production company’s application was incomplete and did not provide enough detail about its plans.
“Council won’t grant a ‘blanket permit’ that gives the production company free reign across the municipality,” he said.
“Council is seeking more specific information about proposed locations and the use of any council land.
“Council has requested a meeting with the production company and assurances about how they will treat community members.”
KEO’s website said the show aimed to “give a voice to a neglected community”.
An SBS spokesperson told Star Weekly: “Struggle Street is not a series about specific areas of the country. First and foremost this is a series about the issues of hardship that people and communities can find themselves in for a whole range of reasons.
“The issues faced by these people and communities are representative of issues faced by people and communities across Australia.
“The areas that we will film in are areas where challenges reflect universal socio-economic issues and where we can get first-hand stories that help audiences to engage with the broader issues.”
The council has called for residents to email their concerns to info@brimbank.vic.gov.au
