Construction starts on Screen Queensland Studios in Cairns
Construction is underway on Queensland's newest world-class screen production facility just minutes from the Cairns CBD.
The $12.6 million development will be a vital creative hub for the region and lure more valuable productions to Queensland.
There will be production offices, editing suites, sound recording studio, construction and wardrobe facilities.
An events space and permanent creative tenancy opportunities will also ensure Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns becomes a welcoming home for the local creative community.
The Far North Queensland Screen Champion and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt has welcomed the investment and construction being awarded to locally based company Richard Field Constructions.
The complex will have major appeal for interstate and international productions.
The Palaszczuk Government has also allocated $7.95 million over six years for operational costs, supporting job opportunities for Far North Queensland
Productions recently supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland in North and Far North Queensland include Love is in the Air starring Delta Goodrem, U.S. feature film Wizards!, Stan Original drama Black Snow, feature documentary Beyond The Reef, reality series Australian Survivor: Blood V Water, Emmy-winner Puff: Wonders of the Reef and Universal Pictures' romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise.
Quotes attributable to the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"Tropical North Queensland is renowned for its stunning beach, rainforest locations and skilled workers, which is very appealing to production companies and has driven interest in the region as a screen production and tourism destination," the Premier said.
"Recent productions in the Far North include U.S. feature film Wizards!, U.S TV series Irreverent and homegrown series Strait to the Plate and Dive Club.
"But we want even more productions to be filmed in Cairns and that is why we are investing $12.6 million on a new film studio at Portsmith.
"This will not only create 35 jobs during construction but provide a fantastic new facility that will support an ongoing pipeline of projects and local jobs right through the supply chain to grow the industry."
Quotes attributable to Far North Queensland Screen Champion, Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt MP:
"The state-of-the-art facility, built across 6,500 square metres at Portsmith, will enhance this region's flourishing reputation as a screen hub and will continue to grow opportunities for First Nations writers and directors and other local creatives," Mr Pitt said.
"This development has been underpinned by our Far North Queensland Screen Production Strategic Plan, and the great work undertaken by the Far North Queensland Screen Implementation Committee has helped to facilitate its delivery.
"The Cairns studio will complement Screen Queensland Studios, Brisbane and an upcoming facility on the Gold Coast, as well as the Gold Coast's iconic Village Roadshow Studios – creating the largest studio network in the southern hemisphere."
Quotes attributable to Screen Queensland CEO Courtney Gibson:
"Cairns already provides spectacular tropical locations and an international airport, with fantastic accommodation, hospitality and lifestyle offerings," Ms Gibson said.
"With world-class studio facilities including a sound stage on the way, Cairns is set to become one of the most attractive places in the world to make drama and features."
Further detail:
Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns is located at Plath Close, Portsmith. The state-of-the-art film and TV studio complex is expected to open late 2023.
