The Albany region is set to benefit from a new $16 million Western Australian Regional Film Fund, designed to drive production investment and job creation across country WA.
Nationals Member for the South West Region, Colin Holt, said the initiative, made possible through funding from the State Government’s Royalties For Regions program, aimed to give WA the edge in a highly competitive international industry.
“This is about putting regional WA top of the list for producing Australian and international feature films, television series and documentaries,” Mr Holt said.
“We’re talking significant potential benefits for the Albany area and WA as a whole.
“I’m confident the fund will quickly resonate both nationally and internationally, and drive production in country WA to new heights.”
“This is about promoting our spectacular and evocative locations, talent and expertise across the world.”
Mr Holt said funding from Royalties For Regions and ScreenWest had already chalked up significant achievements, with the highly anticipated feature film Breath, shot in the Great Southern, due for release over the next 12 months.
“The new fund will consolidate and build on this success,” Mr Holt said.
“For instance, the current production of Breath in the Denmark area has generated more than 250 jobs and boosted business in the local community.
“There is no doubt this fund will help support regional economies and contribute to their vibrancy.”
Job are expected to flow from local purchasing, the development of a skilled workforce to support film and television production and tourism.
ScreenWest will manage the Fund on behalf of the Department of Regional Development for the benefit of regional communities.
For more information, visit www.screenwest.wa.gov.au
For media enquiries please contact Office of Colin Holt MLC on (08) 9724 1181