Weld Australia has welcomed the approval of three major wind farms in New South Wales—Liverpool Range, Spicers Creek, and Hills of Gold—calling it a significant step in Australia’s renewable energy transition.
However, the organisation has raised concerns that these projects benefit foreign manufacturers at the expense of local industry, it revealed in a news release.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, said the federal government’s approval of these projects is a milestone but lacks the necessary support for Australian manufacturing.
“The Albanese Government’s approval of these projects is a milestone for Australia’s renewable energy sector, but it does little to support our local manufacturing industry. Without enforceable local content policies, these wind farms will simply be built using imported steel and offshore fabrication, creating jobs overseas instead of here in Australia,” Crittenden said.
With a record 77 renewable energy projects approved under the Albanese Government, Weld Australia argues that failing to mandate Australian-made steel and local welders is a missed opportunity.
“We are already seeing the consequences of government inaction. Australia’s last mainland wind tower manufacturer, Keppel Prince, was forced to mothball its wind tower facility last year because it simply couldn’t compete with cheap imports. Without clear, enforceable local content requirements, we will continue to see Australian manufacturers shut their doors while foreign suppliers reap the benefits,” Crittenden explained.
The organisation is calling on the federal government to take immediate steps to ensure all renewable energy projects require 100 per cent Australian steel, fabricated by Australian welders, unless there is a legitimate exemption approved by the Australian Fabrication Authority.
