From people who make metal to those who make sandwiches, there is hardly an employment sector that won’t be affected by a possible steelworks shutdown.
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A report on the economic impact a closure would have on the region was released on Tuesday.
The study, undertaken by a trio of academics from the University of Wollongong, said a closure of Port Kembla would cost the Illawarra economy $3.3billion.
And most of the industries affected have nothing to do with making steel.
The report includes 28 employment sectors whose losses make up the $3.3billion total.
The worst two industry sectors affected are two with strong links to BlueScope – primary metal fabrication ($2.4billion) and mining ($228million).
But the other three sectors rounding out the top five worst-hit sectors aren’t specifically steel-related.
They are; finance and insurance ($106million), retail trade ($62million) and transport and postal ($60million).
The real estate market – made up of both ownership and rental categories – would take an $88million hit and the accommodation and food services sector would lose $50million.
Even movie cinemas could feel the pinch with the report concluding the arts and recreation sector would lose $6million.
South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris said the figures showed a closure of the steelworks would have a ripple effect.
Mr Rorris said the future of the steelworks is not just a steelworker problem, and the report shows how money actually moves around.
‘‘The real story that the research is telling us is that the way the manufacturing sector supports our regional economy is much more powerful than other industries.’’
Top 10 worst-hit industries in a BlueScope shutdown
- Primary metal fabrication $2.4billion
- Mining $228million
- Finance and insurance $106million
- Retail trade $62million
- Transport and postal $60million
- Ownership dwellings $60million
- Accommodation and food services $50million
- Wholesale trade $36million
- Electricity, gas and water $34million
- Professional science and technical services $30million
Source: Regional Economic Impacts of a Closure of BlueScope Steel Operations in Port Kembla