Arts & Culture
11 March, 2026
Lights, camera, cash: what a film studio could mean for our local economy
A proposal for a major film studio at Oran Park has placed The Southern Wire readership area in the frame for one of the NSW Government’s largest creative industry investments.
A proposal for a major film studio at Oran Park has placed the Southern Wire readership area in the frame for one of the NSW Government’s largest creative industry investments.
The Minns Government has opened an Expression of Interest process to find a site and industry partner for Sydney’s second major film studio, backed by a $100 million capital investment aimed at expanding the state’s screen production capacity.
Three government-owned sites in Western Sydney — Bungarribee, Eastern Creek and Prospect — have been identified as possible locations, but the process now welcomes proposals on private land.
One such proposal has emerged from Oran Park in Macarthur, where plans illustrate a large studio complex with multiple sound stages, production offices and supporting infrastructure.
Located near Camden, Campbelltown and Wollondilly, the site sits in one of the fastest-growing parts of Greater Sydney. Oran Park is also just 35 minutes drive from the Southern Highlands.
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue says a studio in the area could create significant economic activity and more than 1,000 jobs while showcasing Western Sydney and our regions to international audiences.
The proposal would benefit from the improving transport links tied to the new Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek, expected to become a major gateway for international visitors and business travel.
Proximity to the airport would make it easier for overseas film crews, equipment and production teams to access studio facilities in the region.
Film productions typically generate demand for accommodation, catering, transport, construction and location services — meaning towns across our regions could benefit when large productions are working nearby.
The push for a second film studio comes as industry leaders warn New South Wales risks losing productions interstate due to a shortage of sound stage space.
Currently, the only major studio complex in NSW is Disney Studios Australia at Moore Park, which is frequently booked by large international productions.
Expressions of Interest for the project are open and will run for eight weeks as the NSW Government assesses proposals for the long-awaited second film studio.
Jobs, investment and growth bring it on! Local members and councils should get behind this proposal. Hollywood on our doorstep!
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Read More: Wollondilly, Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands