The Morrison Government is investing $55.4 million to boost the supply of Australian steel. The funding will support the local defence sector and renewable energy projects.
The funding was recently announced for BlueScope Steel’s Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct around the Port Kembla steelworks under the Collaboration Stream of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
The precinct includes a new facility that will produce plate steel for patrol boats, armoured vehicles, and the type of steel used to produce large-scale solar installations and wind turbine towers.
Over two hundred individuals will be employed directly in steel manufacturing once the precinct is operational, around 1,000 more workers in adjacent industries.
Angus Taylor, Minister for Industry, Energy, and Emissions Reduction, said that Port Kembla’s enhanced capability will strengthen local supply chains and will increase the downstream local production of steel goods.
“This precinct represents an incredible win-win – not only increasing the local production of Aussie-made steel but also helping build up our renewable energy and defence sectors,” he said.
“The Port Kembla steelworks has a proud history. This precinct will help BlueScope thrive into the future and create more jobs in the region.
“The Morrison Government is determined to back our steel industry, the manufacturing sectors it helps drive and the local communities they represent.” Minister Taylor added.
The manufacturing sector will be a focus of the Morrison Government’s 2022 – 2023 budget. Investments will continue for the Modern Manufacturing Initiative to support Australian manufacturers in becoming more resilient, competitive, and scalable.
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