Parramatta pushes for SBS to relocate from north shore
Not content just to have one broadcaster’s headquarters in Parramatta, the Lord Mayor has called for another network to relocate to the CBD.
NSW
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Weeks after ABC announced it would relocate its headquarters to Parramatta, the Lord Mayor of Sydney’s second city has called for multicultural network SBS to make the CBD its home as well.
Since it was revealed in June that SBS would consider shifting its head office from Artarmon on the north shore, western Sydney councils have battled to entice the broadcaster to their diverse regions, including Campsie and Blacktown.
On Monday night, Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis elevated the campaign for SBS to establish its headquarters in Parramatta — a “growing city and the geographical heart of Sydney with significant linguistic and cultural diversity”.
The council will write to federal politicians including Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, Arts Minister Tony Burke and Parramatta federal MP Andrew Charlton and call for further information on the feasibility study SBS was conducting into the possible relocation.
The study, which is yet to begin, would examine factors such as addressing the “inequality in infrastructure, skilled jobs and cultural investment in western Sydney’’ if SBS moved there.
An SBS spokeswoman said the network would participate in the government’s feasibility study into a possible relocation of SBS’s Artarmon headquarters.
“The outcomes of this study will be carefully considered by the SBS Board, which … holds ultimate responsibility for any decision.
“Our priority will remain accessing the talent, tools and technologies we need to continue fulfilling our charter each and every day for our audiences who are in all corners of Australia.”
Ms Rowland, whose electorate mainly covers the Blacktown local government area, said the government would examine how a relocation could benefit the multicultural broadcaster and western Sydney.
“Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most diverse and fast-growing areas and the national multicultural broadcaster, SBS, is Australia’s most diverse multilingual, multiplatform media organisation,’’ she said.
“Over 25 years ago, Prime Minister Paul Keating opened the SBS building in Artarmon to help mainstream SBS by moving it closer to other TV networks, bringing radio and TV under the one roof.
“A quarter of a century later, other TV networks have relocated and SBS is a distinctive, dynamic and successful multiplatform digital broadcaster that stands on its own two feet.’’
Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger welcomed the relocation of more than one broadcaster to the region.
“Two broadcasters would be better than one to expand Parramatta’s creative industry sector,’’ he said.
“We all agree that SBS should find a new home in western Sydney and there are some great candidate cities putting their hands up to be that home.
“Parramatta can be a strong candidate by leveraging the commitment of the ABC to move 300 TV, radio and news staff to Parramatta Square and its central location in Sydney.’’
While western Sydney mayors have argued their multicultural communities are the best location for SBS, Willoughby Council is fighting to retain the station at Artarmon.
Last month, Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said the relocation would have a negative effect on the Artarmon industrial area and wider council area.
“SBS currently supports 900 staff at its headquarters and has been in Willoughby for over 25 years and is well serviced by ancillary services including media, IT, production, and communications which provide employment locally,’’ she said.
Parramatta federal Labor MP Andrew Charlton said “Parramatta loves SBS and SBS will love Parramatta”.
“As one of the most diverse communities in Australia, Parramatta is a natural home for SBS,’’ he said.
“Parramatta has the perfect blend of talent, transport, location and diversity to support the future of SBS.
“I strongly support the potential move of SBS to western Sydney and am looking forward to the outcomes of the feasibility study into the relocation.’’
ABC staff will relocate from Ultimo to 6-8 Parramatta Square in 2024.
In a statement it said the relocation to western Sydney was part of the commitment in its five-year plan to see 75 per cent of staff working outside its Ultimo head office by 2025.
ABC managing director David Anderson said moving to Parramatta would help it better engage with its audience.
“Establishing this new facility in Parramatta provides a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up,’’ he said.
“It will be a home for innovation and collaboration, designed and equipped to help us better serve Australians, now and into the future.’’
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