Despite a $5.5 million promise, a long-awaited $650 million film-studio precinct backed by Russell Crowe on the NSW mid-north coast is likely years away from works beginning.<\/p>\n
The NSW government announced this week it would provide up to $5.5 million to assist with construction of a “noise wall” on the boundary of the Pacific Bay Resort Studios and Village in Coffs Harbour.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Planning for the project dubbed Aussiewood was announced in 2021.<\/p>\n
The site borders the Pacific Highway at a section undergoing major upgrades, including the construction of an new interchange as part of the bypass of Coffs Harbour due for completion in 2027.<\/p>\n
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Plans for a film studio in Coffs Harbour, NSW were announced in 2021. (ABC Coffs Coast: Melissa Martin)<\/p>\n
Part of the site was resumed for the roadworks, leading to concerns of potential noise impacts on the studios.<\/p>\n
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison defended the time the state government had taken to fund the 450-metre noise wall, which is contingent on the project getting development approval.<\/p>\n
“When we build projects, we have to mitigate for issues that are there but not necessarily for plans that are in the future,” she said.<\/p>\n
“We understand that this is a really important project for the economy of the Coffs Coast, so it\u2019s been really getting that whole of government response.”<\/p>\n
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The state government will fund a noise wall on the highway off-ramp adjacent to the proposed film studios. (Supplied)<\/p>\n
Two years ‘lost’\u00a0<\/p>\n
While a key barrier to development has been removed, it will be a long time before any films will be shot at Aussiewood, according to Brad Daymond, general manager of Coastal & Golf Resorts Group, which owns the film-studio site.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Looking at what’s required, it may be a year of work before it goes through the Department of Planning and comes out the other end,” he said.<\/p>\n