A 50% minimum local content target for transport rolling stock, increased tender weightings to help small business, creating an NSW Jobs First Commission and Net Zero Commission, and establishing a TAFE manufacturing centre of excellence in the region are part of NSW Labor’s plans.
NSW Labor’s policy commitments will create more jobs, better wages, create new opportunities for small business, help build skills and training opportunities, and a renewable energy infrastructure future for the Illawarra.
Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, is hosting a visit to Wollongong today with the NSW Labor Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Jihad Dib, and Shadow Minister for Finance, Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong.
“We will build wind turbine towers and electricity transmission infrastructure by using high quality, local steel made right here in the Illawarra.
“Most people would be shocked to learn that we import wind turbines and sail them into Port Kembla next door to Australia’s largest steelworks.
“We can provide the local content for government transport rolling stock – just as we could have done in 2016 when the Illawarra could have been the heart of the construction hub to build the new intercity fleet,” Mr Scully said.
Shadow Minister for Finance, Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong said, “NSW Labor will increase the tender weightings for local content to 30%, giving small businesses new opportunities in government procurement.
“We will also redefine ‘value for money’ to capture wider economic benefits, jobs creation and industry development when spending Government money.
“NSW Labor will establish a TAFE manufacturing centre of excellence in the region to generate a future-fit workforce, focused on making and delivering renewable energy infrastructure.
“The NSW Jobs First Commission will be an independent, expert body overseeing the growth of local industries and supporting local businesses to bid for government tenders,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Jihad Dib said, “The Net Zero Commission will guide the state’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and develop action plans across industry sectors to address climate change and job creation, including in the built environment.
“The Illawarra has all the key assets – major energy users, deep seaport, transport links, a research-led university and TAFE facilities and most importantly, a highly skilled workforce – to help build the renewable energy projects and infrastructure for a low carbon future in New South Wales”, he said.
Mr Scully said he invited his Shadow Ministerial colleagues to the Illawarra today to tour Bluescope Steel and to hear first-hand about its plans for the master planning of 200 hectares of surplus landholding adjacent to the steelworks, its investment in the reline of the No 6 Blast Furnace, and its Advance Steel Manufacturing Precinct and how this can contribute to rebuilding manufacturing in New South Wales.
“Under a NSW Minns Labor Government the future of manufacturing in the Illawarra will get the boost and attention it needs - creating more and better local jobs will be a Premier’s Priority”, he said.
