Press release from Broken Hill City Council
Broken Hill’s reputation as one of the best film locations in the world has been endorsed by internationally-acclaimed travel guide, Lonely Planet.
Under the headline of “Films where the destination is the star” Lonely Planet searched the globe and listed Outback Australia and Broken Hill at number four, which was the only Australian location to make the list.
“This international recognition only reinforces our belief that film making and Broken Hill have a long andprosperous partnership to look forward to,” Film Broken Hill Project Co-ordinator, Ms Lyndall Roberts said.
“Lonely Planet is the largest travel guide book and digital media publisher in the world and to have their stamp of approval carries world-wide significance.
“It tells the rest of the globe that our film-making credentials are world class and this international accolade can only enhance our hopes of drawing more productions to Broken Hill,” Ms Roberts added.
More than $2 million has already been spent converting a 1930s power station in Broken Hill into the fifth largest movie studio in Australia and discussions are well under way with Government agencies for a further $9 million.
“Approximately $700,000 is spent on film and media productions in Broken Hill annually and more than 300 productions (Mission: Impossible II, Mad Max 2, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) have been filmed in Broken Hill since 1982,” Ms Roberts said.
“Our new studio is expected to increase the desirability and practicality of Broken Hill and Outback New South Wales as a film-makers’ destination of choice,” she continued.
“Our vision is to develop a disused power station into a film, tourism, arts and educational precinct, creating opportunities for investment and employment together with increased tourism that delivers additional visitors nights into Broken Hill and Outback New South Wales.”