Western Australia's Premier Roger Cook has officially declared the construction of the long-awaited Malaga film studios complete, marking a major milestone for the state's creative and economic ambitions. The $233.5 million facility is now poised to compete for both local and international screen productions, aiming to supercharge a sector the government hopes will be worth $290 million annually to the state's economy.
A New Production Powerhouse for Perth
The state-of-the-art complex, developed by the Cook Government, is situated in Perth's north-eastern suburb of Malaga. It features two massive, column-free sound stages – one measuring 2,500 square metres and another at 1,000 square metres. These expansive spaces are designed to accommodate large-scale film and television sets, providing the technical capacity previously lacking in Western Australia.
Premier Cook emphasised the studio's potential to become a significant job creator and economic driver. "This is a game changer for our local screen industry," Mr Cook stated. "These world-class facilities will allow us to attract big-budget international productions while also providing our incredibly talented local crews and creatives with a home base to produce their own stories." The government's vision is for the studio to help grow the local screen industry to a $290 million annual contributor.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Future Ambitions
Beyond the two main sound stages, the Malaga complex is equipped with comprehensive supporting infrastructure crucial for modern filmmaking. This includes dedicated workshop areas for set construction, office spaces for production companies, and ample parking for crew and equipment. The design prioritises flexibility to handle a wide variety of projects, from feature films and high-end television series to commercial advertisements.
The completion of the build comes after significant state investment and years of planning. The government is now focused on the operational phase, with expressions of interest expected to be called for a private operator to manage the studio complex. This operator will be responsible for the day-to-day running and commercial leasing of the stages to production companies.
The studio's launch is strategically timed to capitalise on a booming global demand for content and Australia's reputation as a safe and scenic filming destination. With competitive incentives already in place, the addition of a purpose-built, large-scale studio facility in Perth addresses a key gap in the market, putting Western Australia in direct competition with established hubs in the eastern states.
Boosting Local Jobs and Creative Economy
The economic implications extend far beyond the studio walls. A major production can employ hundreds of local workers across a diverse range of fields, including:
- Carpenters, painters, and electricians for set construction
- Costume designers, makeup artists, and hairdressers
- Camera operators, lighting technicians, and sound engineers
- Catering, transport, and accommodation services
- Digital and post-production specialists
By providing a permanent home for such activity, the Malaga studios aim to create a sustainable ecosystem where local talent can build long-term careers without needing to relocate interstate or overseas. This infrastructure is also seen as vital for nurturing homegrown storytelling, giving Western Australian writers, directors, and producers the tools to realise ambitious projects on their own soil.
The official opening of the Malaga film studios signifies a bold step forward for Western Australia's cultural and economic landscape. As the search for an operator begins, the local screen industry is watching with anticipation, ready to leverage this new $233.5 million asset to put Perth and WA firmly on the global filming map.
