- Cook Labor Government to invest $9.8 million in Generation
Steel
- Funding to support next phase of development of
proposed green steel mill in Collie
- Part of government's Just Transition for Collie
and Made in WA plan
- Cook Labor Government diversifying the economy
so it remains strongest in the nation
The Cook Labor Government
will invest $9.8 million in Generation Steel - formerly known as Green Steel of
WA - to progress plans for Australia's first low-emissions steel mill and
Western Australia's first steel recycling mill in Collie.
The funding will help
deliver the Cook Labor Government's Made in WA plan, which will help ensure the
State's economy remains the strongest in the nation by making more things here.
Allocated from the $230
million Collie Industrial Transition Fund, the funding unlocks Generation Steel's
next stages of development for the steel mill project and marks a significant
milestone in Collie's transition.
The investment, matched
in co-funding by Generation Steel, will support the completion of
pre-development activities as the project works towards its final investment
decision.
Construction of the mill
is anticipated to create up to 500 jobs in Collie. When operational, the mill
is expected to support up to 217 ongoing jobs, positioning Collie at the
forefront of WA's manufacturing sector.
The investment builds on
the $4.5 million already committed by the Cook Labor Government and follows the
completion of Generation Steel's bankable feasibility study, which confirmed
the project's viability and supports the project's progression to the next
stage of developing the proposed steel mill.
Generation Steel aims to
support more downstream processing and manufacturing within Australia and is committed
to developing a steel project that delivers local jobs, economic opportunities,
and long-term benefits for Collie and WA.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Collie has played a
vital role in powering Western Australia for decades, and under my government,
it will continue to do so.
"Not only is the town now
home to Australia's biggest batteries, but its future will be further bolstered
by projects supported through Collie's Just Transition, including Generation
Steel's steel recycling mill.
"I want to keep WA's
economy the strongest in the nation by securing the State's next generation of
job-creating projects, and that's exactly what this funding will help deliver."
Comments attributed to Energy and Decarbonisation and Manufacturing
Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to a future that's Made in WA,
where we can unlock our State's manufacturing potential.
"Today's announcement is a major milestone for Generation Steel as they
work to build WA's first steel recycling mill.
"Building a green iron industry in Collie will create quality jobs and
diversify the local economy for generations to come."
Comments attributed to South West Minister Don Punch:
"This further investment
marks the next step in securing Collie's future, creating local jobs, and
unlocking new opportunities across the South West.
"By backing projects like
this, we are strengthening our economy and delivering more opportunities
locally as part of our Made in WA plan."
Comments attributed to
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"This funding support for Generation Steel, formerly Green Steel WA, is welcome news for local jobs in Collie.
"This positions Generation Steel to be one of
the key industries supported by the government to ensure a Just Transition for
workers as we phase out of coal-fired power.
"I've been a keen advocate for this project
to locate in Collie, and I look forward to seeing the next important steps to a final investment decision and creating
local jobs for workers in our community."
Comments attributed to
Generation Steel executive director Don Johnston:
"Generation Steel is
bringing in modern technology and the innovation required for
efficient Australian manufacturing.
"This strengthens
Australia's sovereign steel industry, uses our scrap steel resources, and
reduces reliance on steel imports.
"We are committed to
Collie, a town at the forefront of Australia's shift away from
coal-fired power.
"This community has
strong industrial skills, great grid connections, and a proven commitment
to heavy industry.
"We greatly appreciate
the WA Government's support for investment here for a stronger industrial
future."
