The official opening of Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns marks a significant milestone in the emergence of Australia’s North and Far North Queensland region as a vital new hub in the state’s screen sector.
Expanding upon the significance of , the Queensland Government emphasises its commitment to fostering long-term benefits for the region’s communities and its dedication to amplifying the advantages that the studio and increased screen production will bring to the community.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Government had invested $12.6 million in the fit-out of the Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns.
“The potential for super-charging Far North Queensland’s reputation as an emerging screen industry powerhouse is enormous,” Ms Enoch said.
“Not only is the new state-of-the-art Cairns studio primed to generate new jobs and cultural tourism, it’s also an opportunity to elevate unique Far North Queensland stories whilst attracting national and international screen projects.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said, “As we inaugurate Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns, we celebrate the culmination of the Queensland Government’s investment and multi-year commitment to bolstering North Queensland’s vibrant screen industry.”
Poised to parallel the success of the Gold Coast screen industry, the Queensland Government made substantial investments towards the construction and operational costs of the studio facility on top of incentive and funding programs to drive economic growth, employment and tourism in the North and Far North Queensland communities.
The Gold Coast has emerged over many years to become a leading global production hub with a renowned crew base thanks to backing from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s competitive incentives. Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns is a key investment from the state government to help cater to increased demand for screen production in Queensland from local, national and international producers, while also ensuring that North and Far North Queensland communities can also experience the many benefits of a robust screen sector.
Beyond the $12.6 million infrastructure, the focus extends to employment opportunities, stimulating economic growth for small businesses, enhancing cultural tourism and cultivating the diverse range of local screen stories.
Aaron Fa’Aoso, Screen Queensland Board Member and part of the Studio Implementation Committee said, “This exceptional studio marks the dawn of a new era for the Far North Queensland screen sector, a testament to the remarkable achievements that can be realised when passion and purpose align. Today, as we celebrate this significant milestone, we lay a solid foundation upon which to build a vibrant future for our industry.
“Let this be a reminder of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead, and let our shared vision inspire generations to come. Together, we shall continue this incredible journey, fuelled by our unwavering dedication and the promise of a thriving future for the screen industry in Far North Queensland.”
The inclusion of four screen businesses as inaugural tenants further solidifies the studio’s role as a catalyst for local industry growth. By providing a platform for these businesses to thrive and expand their reach, the Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns, not only serves as a physical space for production but also as a vibrant community hub for collaboration and innovation.
The creative tenancies have been secured by three local Cairns businesses – acclaimed First Nations production company Lone Star Productions, casting agency Platinum Talent Management and AV specialists Wallfly – and expanding interstate business, camera and equipment providers Lemac Film & Digital, who will begin moving into the facility at Plath Close, Portsmith from May.
Tenants’ services will complement the studio facilities, which include a 1,070 sq metre sound stage, production offices, editing suites, a sound recording studio, construction and wardrobe spaces, as well as an event space.
Jacqui Feeney concludes, “These studios aren’t just soundstages, they are incubators of creativity, empowerment, and economic growth, poised to propel Queensland’s screen sector to new heights.”
The Queensland Government continues its unwavering commitment to driving economic growth, fostering employment opportunities, and promoting cultural exchange in North and Far North Queensland. Recognising the studio as a cornerstone of long-term development, the government sends a clear message of confidence in the region’s potential to emerge as a powerhouse in the global screen industry landscape.
