LOCAL LIFE
Western Sydney in the frame for major new film studio
Western Sydney is emerging as a leading contender for the NSW Government’ s proposed second major film studio, with Blacktown positioned firmly at the heart of the conversation.
The State Government has committed up to $ 100 million towards the development of a new studio complex, with private investment expected to match the funding. The move comes as demand for production space continues to surge, driven by the rapid growth of Australia’ s screen industry and increasing interest from international studios looking to film locally.
According to recent reporting, Western Sydney is being actively considered as a potential location, with its scale, accessibility and growing infrastructure making it an attractive option. The region’ s proximity to Sydney Airport, major transport corridors and available land for large-scale productions are all key factors in the decision-making process.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting has welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant opportunity for the region’ s future.
“ Western Sydney is alive with creativity. Our young and diverse population represents a powerful pipeline of talent and new opportunities for Australia’ s screen industry,” Mayor Bunting said.
He highlighted that Western Sydney offers the physical space required for major productions, including sound stages, workshops and expansive backlots something increasingly difficult to find closer to the Sydney CBD.
“ We have the space … Western Sydney has the scale and infrastructure needed for projects of that size. It makes sense,” he said.
The proposed studio would complement existing facilities such as Disney Studios Australia at Moore Park, which has seen strong demand in recent years. Industry leaders have warned that without additional capacity, NSW risks losing major productions to interstate or international competitors.
For Blacktown and the broader Western Sydney region, the potential benefits are significant. Beyond attracting major film and television
productions, a studio development could create hundreds of jobs across a wide range of fields— from construction and set design to acting, production, hospitality and technical services. Mayor Bunting said the project would provide real pathways for young people, particularly in a region known for its cultural diversity and growing creative sector.
“ Projects like this can create real career opportunities for young people across Western Sydney and help grow the creative industries in our region,” he said.
Blacktown City Council has already been working to support the expansion of creative industries through strategic planning, infrastructure investment and partnerships. The addition of a major film
Disney Studios Australia in Moore Park.
studio would further strengthen the city’ s position as a hub for innovation and creative enterprise.
The NSW Government is expected to undertake a detailed site selection process in the coming months, working closely with industry stakeholders and local councils. While no final location has been confirmed, Western Sydney’ s strong case— combined with advocacy from local leaders— places it firmly in the spotlight.
If successful, the development would mark a transformative moment for the region, positioning Western Sydney not just as a place to live and work, but as a key player on the global screen production stage.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 61 // APRIL 2026 9