A not-for-profit think tank advocating for the issues affecting one of the country's most culturally diverse regions, Greater Western Sydney, has welcomed the announcement of SBS's expansion to the area.
The multicultural public broadcaster is set to establish a new dedicated production hub in Greater Western Sydney, which generates $104 billion to the economy every year, making it Australia’s third-largest economy behind Sydney’s C-B-D and Melbourne.
An initial feasibility study focused on a full relocation of SBS from its headquarters in Artarmon, in Sydney’s north, but the government decided not to pursue it due to the significant cost.
The federal government says an upfront investment of $5.9 million will allow for broadcast facilities to be set up, including a TV studio for live audiences, radio and podcasting booths, collaboration spaces for talent incubation, and a workspace to support production output.
Adam Leto is the CEO of the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue.