Qld’s ‘film capital’ title at risk amid $100m interstate threat

The state government has shrugged off NSW’s $100m bid to build a new film studio and claim the crown as Australia’s screen capital, but refused to say the state budget will match the pledge.

Jason Momoa on the Gold Coast in 2017, filming the movie Aquaman. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

The Queensland government has waved away threats from New South Wales after its southern rival announced a $100 million pledge to build a new film studio as part of a larger plan to become Australia’s screen industry powerhouse.

But Queensland Arts Minister John‑Paul Langbroek has also refused to reveal whether his own government will match that commitment when it delivers its state budget on Tuesday to fight back against NSW’s film ramp up.

“Queensland is undoubtedly the film capital of Australia,” Mr Langbroek said, brushing off the challenge.

“We are a production powerhouse and the home of Australia’s homegrown success story, Bluey and clearly that’s inspired some rivalry with our southern neighbours.”

“While New South Wales sees us as a massive threat, we will continue to do what we do best — and that’s attract more hits for decades to come.”

Queensland Parliament, John-Paul Langbroek, Tuesday, May 21, 2025 - Picture: Richard Walker

The NSW Minns government announced its $100 million cash injection last week as part of a wider $380 million investment in its screen and digital games sector, with hopes of building a second “Hollywood‑style” studio in Sydney.

The state said the new space will help secure big‑budget international productions like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Thor: Love and Thunder and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which have recently chosen to shoot in Sydney.

NSW Arts Minister John Graham declared the state “the home of the screen industry in Australia” and said the new studio would benefit local crews and creators.

But Mr Langbroek was adamant that Queensland remained the premier destination for making films and television series, highlighting the state’s economic and cultural contribution.

“Queensland’s thriving film and screen industry supports about 4,000 local jobs and boosts our economy by half a billion dollars a year,” he said.

“As the Member for Surfers Paradise, I’m delighted to see Hollywood blockbusters and thriving local productions filmed on the Gold Coast and other parts of Queensland, thanks to our continued investment in the industry.

The Bluff film set next to Westfield Helensvale on the Gold Coast. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“The Crisafulli Government is absolutely committed to supporting Queensland’s screen sector and upholding our reputation as Australia’s premier destination for making films and television series.”
However, Mr Langbroek refused to say if Tuesday’s state budget would commit any new money to help Queensland compete with New South Wales.

Queensland already offers a 15 per cent Production Attraction Strategy rebate and has invested in infrastructure like the Cairns studio hub — a site expected to create 4,000 jobs and generate $500m over a decade questions remain about the state’s future ambitions.

Last year, a major soundstage complex at Yatala on the Gold Coast was announced with Shadowbox Studios as the preferred partner, promising up to ten stages, workshops, offices and training facilities. But no new public updates have been made since its unveiling in July 2024.