In the latest boost for screen industry jobs, the Minns Labor Government has agreed to support a proposed Coffs Harbour film studio with a noise wall next to the neighbouring highway.
The privately owned Pacific Bay Resort is proposing a $600 million film studio and associated developments. The proponent has indicated funding for a noise wall on its boundary with the Coffs Harbour Bypass is a potential barrier to the film studio going ahead.
The NSW Government is committing to provide a $5.5 million grant and assistance with Transport approvals for the noise wall if the proponents receive development approval and construction work on the studio project commences.
This announcement comes after the recent commitment for a $100 million capital fund to begin the search for a second major studio location in Sydney. This will address the current shortage of production space in Sydney, with the only large-scale film studio at Moore Park being used exclusively by Disney Studios Australia.
This was part of a $380 million package in the 2025-26 Budget to support the world-leading NSW screen and digital games sector.
NSW is the home for screen production in Australia and our local screen industry is full of highly creative, highly skilled workers.
The importance of this industry for the NSW economy cannot be understated, with the screen sector contributing over $1 billion in expenditure and employing over 13,000 people. The screen sector generated additional expenditure in hospitality, tourism and transport, particularly in our regional areas where these dollars are needed.
NSW regional communities benefit from screen production with notable projects including Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga in the Far West, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart in the Hunter Valley Region, The Narrow Road to The Deep North in the Illawarra region, and Nine Perfect Strangers and God's Favourite Idiot in Northern NSW.
Minister for the Arts John Graham said:
"We're making sure that a noise wall is no barrier to screen investment. So once work on the studio gets underway, the government will provide funds for the noise wall.
"A private investment in studio facilities in Coffs Harbour would be extremely welcome.
"The more studio space we have in NSW, the more productions and jobs we can attract.
"Having quality film productions on the mid-north coast would be a great win for the local economy. Regional communities play a vitally important role in our screen sector, providing incredible locations. skills, stories and hospitality."
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"The NSW Government has come to the table to enable investment in film jobs on the North Coast now we're excited to see them progress their project.
"This is an example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities to support jobs and investment in the regions. This will be a huge positive economic benefit to the entire North Coast.
"We hope the artists and businesspeople backing this development see government is behind them as they embark on making this plan a reality for ongoing investment and jobs in Coffs Harbour."
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
"This is a welcome milestone in the realisation of a major new employment hub for the North Coast.
"Many film professionals already live on the coast and this proposal for sound stages and film facilities will create a new world of creative opportunity.
"We look forward to the realisation of this visionary project and all that it means for the North Coast community."
