Ballina Shire could still be home to the state’s next major film studio – and Disney may be among the players interested in making it happen.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader confirmed this week that the long-standing proposal for a movie studio at a former quarry site in Alstonville remains very much alive, despite competition from rival bids, including one from Coffs Harbour.
The update comes as the NSW Government prepares to announce $380 million in funding for the film and digital games industries in its June 24 budget, including $100 million earmarked to support a new film studio.
That has prompted fresh bids, as Sydney’s Fox Studios nears capacity and the government looks to grow production infrastructure.
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Mayor Cadwallader said it made more sense to have the second facility in a regional location and Ballina Shire was the best choice.
“We’re absolutely still in the race,” Cr Cadwallader told Ballina News Daily at the Screenworks ‘Regional to Global’ Conference in Lennox Head.
“Council identified and rezoned the Gap Road quarry site in Alstonville as suitable land for the creative industries, and we’ll be progressing an expression of interest shortly.”
While the original company backing the project -Byron Studios – is no longer directly involved, Cr Cadwallader said key figures involved in the original bid remain interested and new backers have emerged.
“Disney has actively looked at land in the Ballina Shire for studio development,” she revealed. “They see the potential here, from our landscapes to the skilled local industry and the presence of organisations like Screenworks.”
The mention of Disney brings fresh momentum to a bid that began under former Mayor David Wright. It also reinforces Ballina’s reputation as a growing creative hub.
“This is a clean industry that brings jobs and economic uplift without harming our environment,” Cr Cadwallader said.
“The film sector delivers huge returns on investment, and having a national industry body like Screenworks based here strengthens our case enormously.”
Screenworks, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is hosting its annual national conference this week, attracting filmmakers and producers from across Australia to Lennox Head Cultural Centre. Mayor Cadwallader officially opened the event, calling it “a feather in the cap” for the region.
“It’s no accident they’ve chosen to be here year after year,” she said.
“We have the infrastructure, the natural beauty, and a council committed to working with creatives.”
Other locations, like Coffs Harbour, are also lobbying hard for the studio project. Actor Russell Crowe is reportedly helping to secure major investment there.
But Ballina has one crucial advantage, according to the Mayor.
“We’ve already done the groundwork,” she said. “We have a site ready to go.”
Cr Cadwallader said the success of the project would ultimately depend on government funding and private investment.
“The industry relies heavily on grants,” she said.
“That’s what stopped it last time, when the funding disappeared after a change of government. But now that money is back on the table, there’s real potential again.”
An impressive history in the industry. Well done.