- Cook Labor Government to invest $9.8 million in Generation Steel
- Funding to support next phase of development of proposed green steel mill in Collie
- Part of government’s Just Transition for Collie and Made in WA plan
- Cook Labor Government diversifying the economy so it remains strongest in the nation
The Cook Labor Government will invest $9.8 million in Generation Steel – formerly known as Green Steel of WA – to progress plans for Australia’s first low-emissions steel mill and Western Australia’s first steel recycling mill in Collie.
The funding will help deliver the Cook Labor Government’s Made in WA plan, which will help ensure the State’s economy remains the strongest in the nation by making more things here.
Allocated from the $230 million Collie Industrial Transition Fund, the funding unlocks Generation Steel’s next stages of development for the steel mill project and marks a significant milestone in Collie’s transition.
The investment, matched in co-funding by Generation Steel, will support the completion of pre-development activities as the project works towards its final investment decision.
Construction of the mill is anticipated to create up to 500 jobs in Collie. When operational, the mill is expected to support up to 217 ongoing jobs, positioning Collie at the forefront of WA’s manufacturing sector.
The investment builds on the $4.5 million already committed by the Cook Labor Government and follows the completion of Generation Steel’s bankable feasibility study, which confirmed the project’s viability and supports the project’s progression to the next stage of developing the proposed steel mill.
Generation Steel aims to support more downstream processing and manufacturing within Australia and is committed to developing a steel project that delivers local jobs, economic opportunities, and long-term benefits for Collie and WA.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“Collie has played a vital role in powering Western Australia for decades, and under my government, it will continue to do so.
“Not only is the town now home to Australia’s biggest batteries, but its future will be further bolstered by projects supported through Collie’s Just Transition, including Generation Steel’s steel recycling mill.
“I want to keep WA’s economy the strongest in the nation by securing the State’s next generation of job-creating projects, and that’s exactly what this funding will help deliver.”
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“The Cook Labor Government is committed to a future that’s Made in WA, where we can unlock our State’s manufacturing potential.
“Today’s announcement is a major milestone for Generation Steel as they work to build WA’s first steel recycling mill.
“Building a green iron industry in Collie will create quality jobs and diversify the local economy for generations to come.”
As stated by South West Minister Don Punch:
“This further investment marks the next step in securing Collie’s future, creating local jobs, and unlocking new opportunities across the South West.
“By backing projects like this, we are strengthening our economy and delivering more opportunities locally as part of our Made in WA plan.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
“This funding support for Generation Steel, formerly Green Steel WA, is welcome news for local jobs in Collie.
“This positions Generation Steel to be one of the key industries supported by thegovernment to ensure a Just Transition for workers as we phase out of coal-fired power.
“I’ve been a keen advocate for this project to locate in Collie, and I look forward to seeing the next important stepstoa final investment decision and creating local jobs for workers in our community.”
As stated by Generation Steel executive director Don Johnston:
“Generation Steel is bringing in modern technology andthe innovationrequired for efficient Australian manufacturing.
“This strengthens Australia’s sovereign steel industry, uses our scrap steel resources,and reduces reliance on steel imports.
“We are committed to Collie,atown at the forefront of Australia’sshift away from coal-fired power.
“This community has strong industrial skills, great grid connections, and aproven commitment to heavy industry.
“We greatly appreciate the WAGovernment’s support for investment here for a stronger industrial future.”
