The Illawarra’s fight to save its steel industry is expected to hit the table at NSW Parliament later this month.
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When it does, a large contingent of steel campaigners will be there to watch the politician’s reaction and listen to the debate that unfolds.
A community petition, which ganered 15,300 signatures was presented to the Illawarra’s state politicians at NSW Parliament House on September 17.
The petition, led by K&R Fabrications employee Ian Waters, called for the NSW Government “specifies only good quality Australian Steel be used in the billions of dollars of infrastructure projects which are proceeding.
“This will help give production volume to the steelworks and protect thousands of Illawarra families,” the petition reads.
The petition, directed at NSW Industry Minister Anthony Roberts, has been listed for response in the Legislative Assembly on October 22. However, that date is subject to change.
Prior to the parliamentary debate, Mr Waters will join Jason Leussink and John Doyle for a meeting with NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet on October 13.
The campaigners will be accompanied by Heathcote MP Lee Evans, who organised the gathering.
Meanwhile, the group has sent letters to 98 councillors and chief executives from councils across south-eastern NSW, asking for the organisations’ view on using 100 per cent Australian-made steel on their infrastructure projects and for maintenance.
Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils received the correspondence, as did Campbelltown, Sutherland and Wingecarribee councils.
Mr Waters said three “champions” had already emerged.
“[Councillor] Graham McLaughlin from the Wingecarribee will be putting a motion to his council to use 100 per cent,” he said.
Shellharbour deputy mayor Paul Rankin indicated his council already used 50 per cent.
“I have given him some documentation which shows that 50 per cent can potentially provide nothing for BlueScope and he is considering that,” he said.