Regional communities welcome $2billion package to support green aluminium – making sure vital manufacturing communities are here to stay
Communities in NSW and Queensland have welcomed the $2 billion announcement from the Federal Government today to back-in manufacturing and workers through further moves to repower aluminium smelters with renewable energy.
“This is a great win for the Hunter community, not only for the workers at the Tomago Aluminium smelter and the supporting industries, but for their families. We know that with big economic changes people can experience a lot of disruption to their lives. As we meet the changing global markets, it’s important that communities stay together, the Hunter Community and its families are just not intertwined with manufacturing but with their local schools and community groups. This approach from the federal government ensures that the community is here to stay.” Erin Killion Lead Organiser of the Hunter Community Alliance.
“This investment exemplifies what the Gladstone community needs and that is certainty. By seising this opportunity to secure jobs at the Boyne Smelter, and showcasing renewable energy as the best choice for high-quality manufacturing, the federal government is prioritising regional communities to the benefit for all Australians,” Elise Ganley, Community Organiser for Queensland Community Alliance.
The Federal Government has announced the $2 billion to support the aluminium industry by providing support to facilities for every tonne of clean Australian-made aluminium they make over a period of 10 years.
This gives these smelters, which are highly energy intensive, the confidence to continue to invest in Australia and compete internationally.
Australia’s aluminium manufacturing industry includes five large bauxite mines, six alumina refineries and four aluminium smelters all located in regional areas.
This support is about ensuring we secure Australian workers and support our communities continuing to have a strong manufacturing base. It’s also good for the climate. Our smelters at Tomago in NSW’s Hunter region and Gladstone in Queensland are the single biggest users of energy in these states. Switching them to renewable energy will reduce climate pollution.
Renew Australia for All welcomes the announcement today but encourages the government to make more inroads – particularly in the area of green iron.
Instead of just mining and exporting raw materials, we want Australia to utilise our abundant clean, low-cost renewable energy to manufacture high-quality products the world needs and wants like green iron, aluminium, hydrogen, and tech components.
This shift will create secure, well-paid jobs across our cities and regions and reduce our contribution to global climate pollution.
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