The cast and crew of Mad Max: Furiosa are still reserved to stay in western New South Wales for filming in April next year, despite news that the film’s release date has been pushed back a year.

ABC understands that accommodation is booked in Broken Hill until April and runs through to the first week of June 2022.

The Mad Max series has great cultural and historical significance for the region.

Mad Max 2 was filmed near Silverton 40 years ago.

Adrian Bennett, who runs the city’s Mad Max 2 Museum, said the arrival of the cast and crew to the final installment would be extremely exciting for the local community.

“They say it’s going to be the biggest production Australia has ever seen, and what better place to film it than Broken Hill?

“We are over the moon.”

Bennett said the 1981 blockbuster helped redefine the area.

“For many, many years, of course, Broken Hill and Silverton were known for mining … but many of the visitors we come across now mention that they come here because they know that at least one of the Mad Max movies was recorded here.

“It’s an incredible phenomenon.”

ABC contacted the production company for the new film, Kennedy Miller Mitchell, for comment.

Locals are looking forward to economic benefits

Silverton Hotel owner Peter Price said the arrival of the cast and crew would bring great benefits to the area.

“They inject a lot of money into the economy. Many times, they create a lot of work for the locals,” he said.

“We all have an advantage … Broken Hill, everyone, they all get accommodation and fuel and supplies and everything.

“It’s going to be amazing how much money is coming this way on the back of Mad Max, so it’s great to see.”

The footage is set to coincide with the Mundi Mundi Bash near Silverton in April.

The Outback Music Festival, which has been delayed due to COVID-19, is expected to attract thousands of partygoers to the region in April next year.

It’s one of a series of events, including the St Pat’s races and the Silverton Collective – a three-day event for Mad Max enthusiasts – starting in March next year.

The organizers of the latter party hope Mad Max fans from Europe, USA and Japan will be able to cope.

“Broken Hill and the region are going to be a very busy place,” Price said.

Fury Road cars are being sold

Meanwhile, all cars from the previous Mad Max: Fury Road movie are being sold to the highest bidder.

Expressions of interest to purchase the fleet closed late last month and the deadline for sale is 8:00 this Saturday.

Thirteen cars from the historic fleet are for sale.

The sales process remains confidential, although it is understood that more than 180 expressions of interest have been registered from around the world.