Port Kembla steel is more likely to be used to build wind towers, solar farms and other renewable infrastructure, following Labor amendments to the government's electricity legislation.
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The state government's new $32 billion energy plan to upgrade the electricity network includes the creation of renewable energy zones in several locations across the state.
Labor amendments to this legislation will see the creation of a Renewable Energy Sector Board, whose job it will be to create a plan to maximise the use of BlueScope steel, and other NSW goods and services, in the construction of the infrastructure in those zones.
An electricity infrastructure jobs advocate will also be appointed to advise Energy Minister Matt Kean of "strategies and incentives to encourage investment, development, workforce development, employment, education and training" in these zones.
The Illawarra will also become one of the renewable energy zones under the government legislation.
"The passage of the amendment puts the steel in the spine of the legislation," Wollongong MP Paul Scully said on the floor of state parliament.
"Now there is a board that is tasked with developing a plan to maximise the use of locally produced supplies, goods and services to maximise the employment of suitably qualified local workers, to foster opportunities for apprentices and trainees."
Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
