A gas terminal at Port Kembla could ensure the steelworks’ long-term future, said Regional Development Australia Illawarra CEO Deborah Murphy.
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The liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal is the brainchild of consortium Australian Industrial Energy and is now considered a “critical” project by the NSW Government.
In a letter of support, Ms Murphy noted former BlueScope CEO Paul O’Malley concerns over an “energy catastrophe” in Australia unless supply issues were fixed.
“The Illawarra’s steel industry has faced significant cost pressures in the past, and we are keen to support our local steel industry’s long-term viability,” Ms Murphy said.
The RDA Illawarra CEO also said the LNG gas terminal would be a boost for Port Kembla.
“The Port of Port Kembla is an economic asset of national significance, critical to the future economic growth and development of both the region and NSW,” Ms Murphy said.
“Port Kembla is a deep-water harbour surrounded by large parcels of employment generating industrial land, which are ideally suited to the proposed LNG Import Terminal.
“Port Kembla is currently underutilised and has capacity for growth.”