NSW Labor’s plan to rebuild local manufacturing is among other initiatives, including setting up a TAFE manufacturing centre of excellence in the Illawarra, was announced by NSW Labor Leader, Chris Minns in his Budget-Reply this morning.

NSW Labor will:

• Set a target of 50 per cent minimum content for future transport rolling stock contracts by the end of Labor’s first term in office
• Increase tender weightings to 30 per cent capturing local content, job creation, small business and ethical supply chains
• Set up NSW Jobs First Commission – an independent, expert body – to oversee the growth of local industries and supporting local businesses bid for government tenders.

In 2016 a 17 hectare site at Unanderra could have been the construction hub for building the new intercity fleet.

An Australian consortium proposed setting up a facility to commission, produce, and maintain the new trains in the Illawarra but was ultimately bypassed by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government in favour of manufacturing the trains overseas.

As part of the bid up to 600 direct jobs could have been created in the Illawarra with a further 565 indirect jobs supported by this investment.

This was a lost opportunity for the Illawarra by a NSW Liberal and Nationals Government which simply doesn’t understand and has never supported the ambition that Wollongong has for itself.

NSW Labor’s ‘Made in NSW’ policy will also be a shot in the arm for the manufacture of renewable energy technology like wind turbines and transmission infrastructure by using our quality local steel.

The initiative will also dovetail with Bluescope Steel’s announcement earlier this week that it will masterplan 200 hectares of surplus landholdings adjacent to the Port Kembla Steelworks.

NSW Labor is strongly backing the revival of local manufacturing, greater use of our local content, and creating business opportunities and jobs in Wollongong and the Illawarra region.