Arabic version: اقتراح استوديو أفلام كبير يحظى بدعم في بورت كيمبلا
Prominent Australian film producer Ian Collie has expressed support for a proposal to establish a major film studio in Port Kembla, New South Wales. A coalition of residents and politicians is advocating for the transformation of land at the Port Kembla steelworks into a studio complex, with hopes of attracting a film company to submit a proposal before the expressions of interest for a $100 million grant close in May. According to ABC News, the site offers industrial land comparable in size to Sydney’s CBD, surrounded by diverse natural landscapes.
Collie, known for producing popular Australian TV shows such as Rake and Jack Irish, believes that Wollongong’s unique geography provides a variety of filming environments. He noted the advantages of the location’s proximity to Sydney, which could facilitate the movement of cast and crew. “I think it’s a bit of a win-win,” he said, emphasizing the potential for cost savings.
The New South Wales government is currently seeking to supplement existing studios, such as Disney Studios in Moore Park, by partnering with the private sector to create a minimum of six sound stages within 100 kilometres of Sydney. Collie is optimistic about expanding the film and TV industry into regional areas, advocating for the establishment of a studio in Port Kembla.
Wollongong councillor Ann Martin and the not-for-profit organization Screen Illawarra are actively lobbying for the proposed film studio, which would be built on land owned by BlueScope, a steelmaker redeveloping surplus Port Kembla land. The plan aims to reshape the city’s future beyond its industrial roots, promoting creative job opportunities in addition to traditional manufacturing roles.
While BlueScope has not yet received a formal proposal from any film company, it remains open to commercially viable opportunities for its land transformation. Screen Illawarra has been advocating for the studio for over 18 months, having previously hosted representatives from major film companies for familiarization tours of the region. Both Collie and Screen Illawarra chair Nick Bolton remain hopeful that an interested party will come forward before the end of the expression of interest period next month.
