Exclusive: Gold Coast to get $5m television hub in $25m screen industry funding boost

The Gold Coast is set to become Australia’s TV hub, with the State Government announcing an extra $25 million boost to the city’s screen industry. READ THE FULL DETAILS

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THE Gold Coast is a big winner with the State Government to announce an extra $25 million across two years to boost Queensland’s status as a world premier screen destination.

Funding from Labor will ensure the Glitter Strip becomes the centre for future reality television series, regarded as a huge job growth area in the entertainment industry.

The investment will provide a $20 million extension to the highly successful Production Attraction Strategy and support the construction of a $5 million television hub on the Coast for national and international productions.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones will be joined by Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon to make the announcement at 10am at Helensvale today.

Kate Jones made the announcement. Photographer: Liam Kidston

The investment follows a recent announcement that three landmark Universal Studio TV series had chosen to film in Queensland, providing an additional boost as the Government continues to roll out Queensland’s economic recovery plan.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland was in a prime position to attract international projects and boost local production.

“Our strong COVID response and world class workforce makes Queensland an ideal destination for productions, both local and international,” the Premier said.

“This additional investment in the Screen Queensland Production Attraction Strategy and strengthens Queensland’s pull for big projects.

The Gold Coast was the home of Big Brother for several years – the old set burnt down last year.

“Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we continue to explore new opportunities for economic growth and continue to create jobs for Queenslanders.

“Our Production Attraction Strategy has already been a huge success.

“With an investment of over $80 million since 2015, we’ve been able to ensure that blockbusters like Thor: Ragnarok, Aquaman and Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Biopic are filmed right here in Queensland.

“That’s given our state an economic boost of more than $900 million dollars and supported more than 10,000 jobs here in Queensland.”

Ms Scanlon said today’s announcement would allow the Coast to capitalise on the rapidly-

growing film production industry.

The cast of Big Brother 2014.

“A television hub on the Gold Coast would support 60 local jobs for crew members and provide a long-term pipeline for production work in Queensland,” she said.

Labor candidate for Theodore Tracey Bell said construction of a television hub on the Gold Coast would pay long-term economic dividends.

“Everyone loves to settle in and watch some TV – even if they don’t like to admit it,” she said.

“The construction of a television hub on the Gold Coast would allow us to host shows like the Voice, Dancing with the Stars and Ninja Warrior, with the potential to host the international versions of these shows, once international borders open up again.

“This is really great news for the many film and production industry workers who are looking forward to a safe return to work.”

Labor candidate for Bonney Ash Borg said today’s announcement would allow the Gold Coast to capitalise on the rapidly-growing film production industry.

“A TV hub on the Gold Coast would support 60 local jobs for crew members and provide a long-term pipeline for production work in Queensland,” he said.

“It’ll mean new skilled jobs in creative enterprises, as well as associated work for people like make up artists, carpenters, and a range of other trades.”

But the announcement has been met with some criticism from the Federal Government.

Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said he was “disappointed” the Morrison Government had not been acknowledged.

“I am disappointed that Queensland Labor is misleading the public by today claiming all the credit (...) while completely failing to acknowledge the financial contribution made by the Morrison Government,” he said.

The Morrison government provided more than $51 million in grants to attract Thor: Ragnarok and Aquaman to film on the Gold Coast.

A further $21.6 million was provided as a grant to secure a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

“Key stakeholders in the Queensland screen sector have been generous in acknowledging our support, particularly given the current pressures on the Federal Budget,” Mr Fletcher said.

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