From an SBS spokesperson:
SBS wishes to clarify some media coverage relating to the Government’s decision not to provide additional funding for the proposed expansion of SBS’s production facilities to Western Sydney at this time:
- The decision not to proceed with funding for the proposed SBS expansion to Western Sydney is a decision of the Federal Government.
SBS has worked constructively for almost four years to support the Government’s initiative of a new physical SBS presence in Western Sydney.
We have done this consistently through the original feasibility study and more recently in developing a detailed business case for a production hub and talent incubator, including running a competitive tender for a site.
SBS delivered the detailed business case in line with Government requirements, including maintaining strict confidentiality around the proposed site while the proposal was under Government consideration. - Reference has been made in media reporting to a project cost of $181 million and a proposed project site of Blacktown.
The project cost of $181 million reflects the highest-cost option over a four-year period. SBS also provided lower-cost options, enabling different levels of investment in content, jobs, skills development, education outreach and industry growth.
Across all options, most of the funding was directed to producing thousands of hours of new Australian audio and screen content, local jobs, training opportunities and community-based activity in Western Sydney, in line with the Government’s announcement of plans for the new hub.
The delivery of capital infrastructure (including bespoke TV, audio studios and training spaces) represented less than half of total costs in every option, and approximately one third of the $181 million figure referenced in reporting.
This higher figure included the production of a new drama series on location in Western Sydney, bringing local voices to national audiences while generating significant jobs and supply chain economic activity through on-location filming. - SBS strongly supported this project and was ready to deliver it, subject to funding. We are disappointed that funding will not be provided at this time due to the current fiscal environment. But as always, we remain deeply committed to Western Sydney communities and will continue telling their stories across our news, audio and screen services and working with communities to celebrate significant cultural moments, as we have for more than 50 years.