Western Sydney Could Get Major New Film Studio

Western Sydney is one step closer to becoming Australia's next film production powerhouse, with the NSW government launching a search for investors to build the state's second major studio complex.

The state has identified three potential sites in Bungarribee, Eastern Creek, and Prospect for the new facility, which would feature at least six sound stages. Arts Minister John Graham says the project aims to secure the future of New South Wales' screen sector.

The timing couldn't be better. While Queensland's film production spending jumped 16 percent to lead the nation at $925 million, NSW saw its expenditure drop by 51 percent to just $832 million in 2024/25. Local filmmakers say they're feeling the squeeze.

Director Jeremy Sims has experienced the shortage firsthand. He's been forced to shoot productions in makeshift warehouses near noisy train stations and under flight paths because Sydney's only major studio, Disney Studios at Moore Park, is booked solid with Hollywood blockbusters like The Fall Guy and Marvel films.

"They're great for crews, it means all the Australian crews are the best in the world," Sims says. "But we want to get television shows up here that are at the lower to middle end of the budget."

The Ripple Effect

A second studio means more than just extra space. Claire Pullen from the Australian Writers' Guild says it would create a steady pipeline of work across every corner of the industry, from writers and directors to editors and sound technicians.

The balance between big budget international productions and smaller local projects would finally stabilize. Australian stories that audiences love to watch would have a proper home to be made, instead of competing with superhero franchises for studio time.

Business leaders in Western Sydney are already dreaming big. David Borger points to the UK's Pinewood Studios, home to the Harry Potter and Bourne franchises, which sits an hour from London's city center. Distance hasn't stopped it from becoming a global destination.

"It'd be great to see the next Mad Max made in Western Sydney," Borger says. He also sees potential connections with the region's large Indian diaspora, opening possibilities for Bollywood productions to put down roots in Australia.

The government scrapped its earlier requirement that the studio be within 35 kilometers of Sydney's CBD, signaling it wants the best proposal regardless of exact location. Now the door is wide open for Western Sydney to claim its spot on the world stage.