Arts Minister Rod Welford announced today the hit Nine Network production Sea Patrol would be returning to Queensland for the filming of a third series.
"Securing series three of television drama Sea Patrol – Red Gold is a major boon for our local film and television industry," Mr Welford said.
"The 13-part series will return to shoot on location at Mission Beach in Far North Queensland and also at the Warner Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast from September.
"The Bligh Government is providing production, development and investment funding for the third series through the Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC).
"The third series has a $17 million budget and looks set to create around 400 jobs.
"PFTC also provided development and production funding for the two previous series of Sea Patrol which were also shot on location in Queensland and have both rated very well for the Nine Network since the first series screened in 2007."
Mr Welford said Sea Patrol, starring Lisa McCune and Ian Stenlake, was inspired by the Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boat Service.
"With veteran television producers Hal and Di McElroy (Blue Heelers, Water Rats) at the helm, Sea Patrol is a high quality Australian television series," he said.
"The success of a program like Sea Patrol is evidence of the high quality of production talent in Queensland and also the variety and beauty of our locations.
"Queensland has proved itself as a location of choice for TV and film producers.
"This reputation will be further enhanced when drama series The Strip, another Queensland-based production which has received PFTC production incentives, makes its much-anticipated debut on the Nine Network later this year."
[release from PFTC]