Future Made in Australia turns to steel

The federal government is studying ways of building on investments in new energy infrastructure to use more Australian content, looking first at structural steel and local manufacturing opportunities.

The government said in a statement that it wanted to make sure that more good jobs flow from renewable infrastructure projects, and that households and businesses pay less for electricity.

As part of this process, the government is bringing together project developers, industry, unions, community groups, and experts to investigate the delivery of Australian content in wind, solar and transmission projects.

The Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia Tim Ayres will travel to Gladstone, Rockhampton, Latrobe Valley, Collie, Illawarra and around the Hunter to hear firsthand what more Australian steel content could deliver.

Senator Ayres said: “A Future Made in Australia will be made with Australian steel.

“Steel metal fabrication and manufacturing are the industrial backbone of so many regional communities around our country – and we’re backing them in.”
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The Australian steel industry employs over 100,000 people and generates $29 billion in annual revenue.

According to estimates from the Australian Steel Institute, between now and 2030 we will need more than 300,000 tonnes of steel for wind projects under any net zero transformation scenario.

The Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said: “Our industrial heartlands are the engine room for our economic resilience and central to the government’s plans for prosperity.

“This work compliments the government’s engagement with these communities on green steel and a sustainable long-term future.”

Picture: Senator Tim Ayres