The South West is the most popular regional tourist destination in Western Australia. 
South West poised to make big screen debut
Films have a way of inspiring and entertaining people, and can influence our minds and emotions in ways other media cannot. But they have wider benefits beyond making us laugh or transporting us into a story.
They can provide huge benefits to the places they are filmed in. Look at what Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand, or how Mission Impossible 2 impacted on tourism in Sydney.
We expect Drift, a surf-themed movie to be shot in the Margaret River area and star Hollywood favourite Sam Worthington, to provide a number of positive outcomes for Australia's South West region.
These include:
- The direct injection of millions of dollars into the South West economy during filming;
- Stimulation of the local creative industry sector;
- Opportunities for local people; and
- An increase in the awareness of the region as a tourist destination.
With these benefits expected to spring from having Drift filmed in the South West, we were pleased to play a role in securing funding to support the project. A total of $1.5million in State Government funding has been allocated towards on-location filming including $1million from Royalties for Regions.
To maximise the possible benefits to the South West, we will be working in partnership with various organisations and agencies to develop ways the region can benefit from having a major movie filmed in the region. Our aim will be to market the South West on the world stage, further strengthening the region's reputation for excellence.
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Get to know the South West region better by picking up a copy of "South West: A region in profile 2011".
The booklet provides a statistical snapshot of key industries in the region, plus overviews of areas such as population, project investment and infrastructure.
Developed by the Department of Regional Development and Lands, in conjunction with the South West Development Commission, it is one in a series which looks at the different regions of Western Australia.
Copies of "South West: A region in profile 2011" are available from the South West Development Commission. To request a copy of the publication, please phone 9792 2000 or email swdc@swdc.wa.gov.au .
Don Punch
South West Development Commission CEO
May 2011
