A major film studio is one step closer to becoming a reality on the mid-north coast, with the NSW Government clearing a key hurdle to unlock a $600 million private investment at Coffs Harbour.
The Pacific Bay Resort has proposed a significant development, including world-class sound stages and associated facilities, backed by actor Russell Crowe and nicknamed “Aussiewood”. But the proponents had flagged the cost of a noise wall required along the Coffs Harbour Bypass as a potential barrier to progress.
In a move welcomed by regional leaders, the NSW Government recently announced it will commit $5.5 million towards the noise wall and streamline the required transport approvals – if development consent is granted and construction of the studio begins.
NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham said the announcement removes a key obstacle to a transformative opportunity for the region’s economy and the state’s screen industry.
“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,” Mr Graham said.
“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.”
The announcement follows a broader $380 million investment in the 2025–26 NSW Budget to grow the state’s screen and digital games sector, including a $100 million fund to identify a second major studio site in Sydney.
With Disney Studios Australia exclusively occupying the Moore Park studio, the government is seeking to expand production capacity to meet growing demand and continue its dominance as the home of screen in Australia.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the Government’s support shows confidence in the economic and cultural potential of regional film infrastructure.
“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,” Ms Aitchison said.
“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 the region is well-positioned to take advantage of the creative boom.
“This is a welcome milestone in the realisation of a major new employment hub for the North Coast,” Ms Saffin said.
“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.”
The NSW screen industry already contributes over $1 billion to the economy annually and employs more than 13,000 people. Regional NSW has played host to major productions including Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga in the Far West, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart in the Hunter Valley, and Nine Perfect Strangers in the Northern Rivers, as well as Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken, which was shot in a number of NSW locations including Werris Creek and Tamworth.
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