Blast Furnace 6 Reline

19 April 2022

Director, Industry Assessments
NSW Planning
Department of Planning and Environment
Locked Bag 5022
Parramatta NSW 2124.


Re – Letter of Support. Blast Furnace 6 Reline Submission. SSI-22545215.


Dear Director,

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission regarding the Blast Furnace 6 Reline, SSI-22545215

It is my pleasure to write a letter of support for BlueScope in their application for the Blast Furnace 6 (6BF) reline. I am writing this letter on behalf of the Illawarra Innovative Industry Network – i3net.

i3net, the Illawarra Innovative Industry Network, is a network of industry-based companies working from the Illawarra. Our members represent some of the largest companies in Australia & all the way through to SMEs and supply organisations, with over 20,000 employees. From bolts to submarines, i3net provides access to the Illawarra’s vast range of manufacturers, engineering service providers and industrial suppliers. The network was established 20 years ago to promote the collective capability of industry to local, national and international markets. The power behind the network is the depth of capability and skills that can be provided by one powerful industry resource.

The purpose of this submission is to support and emphasise the significant decision the approval of this project is for the region, the state and for the sovereign capability for Australia.

We understand from BlueScope that scope of work of the project includes a capital investment to reline the 6BF of approximately $1 Billion, which includes a significant upgrade of the furnace, supporting infrastructure and greater than $100 million in environmental improvements.

BlueScope have shared that ~250 new jobs will be created during construction, and the project will support up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region. We also understand that unlike BlueScope’s No.5 Blast Furnace Reline, which took around 200 days to complete, the project plan of the reline of No.6 Blast Furnace involves a three-year timeframe to execute and is expected to be completed in 2026. i3net supports this and commends BlueScope on this approach as it means greater local employment opportunities with more certainty over a longer timeframe. This is an important approach as the reline is one of many proposed projects for the region and the retention of local skilled trades, engineers and many other disciplines is needed to ensure the economic strength of the region and national supply chains are assured.

With a Blast Furnace life of approximately 20 years, the investment of ~$1B sets up the positive direction for the future of Illawarra Industry into the mid 2040's. Additionally, as a region, state and nation, we are standing at an exciting and pivotal crossroads of traditional Steelmaking technologies and what lies ahead in the future if we commit to the transition to green hydrogen and low emission steelmaking technology. We understand from BlueScope’s shared plans that they are excited to be part of the solution.

Due to the investment and plans of BlueScope, the proposed Blast Furnace reline is a solid bridge to transition to low emission steelmaking, and with BlueScope’s commitment to be net zero by 2050, this secures the commercialisation of low emissions technologies. This project will ensure the region, state and country has the manufacturing capability to meet the demand for renewable energy projects in the future.

The events of the past years of fires, floods, pandemics and growing defense concerns has shown that NSW and Australia must invest in its sovereign capabilities if it is to survive, thrive and advance. As the industry representative for small, medium and large businesses in the industrial supply chain, the flow on effect for not approving this project would be devastating for the immediate 526 Wollongong manufacturing businesses (Business count ABS June 2018 cat. 8165), and the 10,000 individuals (.id, June 2019) who work in the local Manufacturing Professional, Scientific & Technical services. In fact, BlueScope generates ~$6.5 billion in regional economic output, which is 24% of the Illawarra total output and directly employs 3,500 workers. Accordingly, community support for steelmaking and industry is strong in the Illawarra. It’s in our DNA and a proud part of our heritage.

As the premier network of industry-based companies working from the Illawarra, i3net fully supports BlueScope’s Blast Furnace 6 Reline.

At a local level, BlueScope continue to show their commitment to the Illawarra region by participating in i3net events and giving keynote presentations. The openness and approachability of BlueScope is appreciated and to be commended.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate me on the below mentioned details.


Yours Sincerely,

B. Perry
Bianca Perry
Chief Executive Officer
i3net
M: 0401 030 023
E: [email protected]
W: www.i3net.com.au

This project is essential for the Illawarr to ensure a strong lcoal economy over the campaign life of the furnace. This proejct will provided an additional 200 plus jobs during construction while also securing the jobs of up 10,000 direct and indirect personnel in the Illawarra . This project will also ensure high quality steel is produced in New South Wales for the foreseeable future.

The #6 Blast Furnace reline ensures the future of steelmaking in the Illawarra for the foreseeable future. Without the Blast Furnace, there is currently no viable method of commercially manufacturing steel from iron ore. Whilst green steel technologies are a future requirement, there are currently no commercially available solutions for producing the quantities of steel that is made at BlueScope currently in Port Kembla. Australia wants to be a country that makes things. Steel is a fundamental manufacturing building block. Without this, we would be reliant on imports, likely from countries such as China and India. Neither of which are making substantial progress towards green steel manufacture.

Steel manufacturing in the Illawarra supports up to 10000 direct and indirect jobs. The blast furnace reline is central to this continuing.
The blast furnace may not be a long term option for steelmaking, but with the $100 million that BlueScope is spending on upgrading the environmental credentials of the project, it is clear that this is an excellent bridging project to get us to the clean green steel technologies of the coming decades.

I am making a submission in support of the No.6 Blast Furnace Reline at Port Kembla Steelworks.

The reline of No.6 Blast Furnace is critical for the ongoing future of iron and steelmaking in the Illawarra and provides a bridge to lower emissions iron and steel making technology in the future.

The Steelworks provides 3,000 well paying jobs for Bluescope employees in the Illawarra and also supports the broader construction industry and local manufacturing in Australia.

The economic contribution of the steel industry in the Illawarra is significant.

Regards
Jenny Staff

Australia needs Steel. It only makes sense that we make steel in Australia by a company that is trying to make it as energy efficient as possible.

Having worked for Bluescope for 30 years, I can vouch firsthand how much effort it is putting in to make steel in Australia across the whole supply chain.
This project is a no brainers, please endorse.

I support the reline of No.6 Blast Furnace at BSL's Port Kembla Steelworks.
The reline of No.6 Blast Furnace is critical to maintaining the capability of steelmaking in Australia and supply to the domestic market for vital use in infrastructure, building and construction, defence and renewables projects.  
Other project benefits include: 
· $1 Billion investment by BlueScope in the Illawarra region and state 
· Ongoing support of 10,000 direct and indirect jobs during operation, plus an additional 250 jobs during the Project’s development and construction phases 
· Significant economic contribution to the Illawarra region of $1.6 billion in Gross Regional Product (11%) and $6.5 billion of the regions total Output (Value Added) 
· A commitment to ensuring environmentally sustainable steelmaking with over $100 million to be spent on environmental improvement upgrades 
· Securing the short-medium term future of steelmaking at Port Kembla whilst providing a bridge to the longer-term transition to lower emissions steelmaking technologies when it is technically and commercially viable 
· Maximum local participation throughout the development and construction phases, outsourcing contractors and suppliers from the Illawarra region 
Regards
Wayne Staff

I support the manufacturing in Australia, in particular steel.
This project is far more environmentally friendly 'green' steel than other parts of the world

I support this project due to the employment and economic benefits to the region.

The announcement from Bluescope steel RE: #6 BLAST FURNACE RELINE is wonderful news I'm sure the whole of Australia will be behind 100% . That Bluescope steel continues to produce some of the cleanest, finest steel grades in the world using Australian labour and technology speaks volumes for the integrity of the company ,here's to looking forward to many more decades of Australian produced steel! Well done guys!

This project is critical for mine and many people in my local area. The steelworks have a long history in my area for not only employment but also giving back to many charities and organisations. Without the steelworks our area will see a significant increase in unemployment. We need this project to commence to secure our employment today and for the next generations for years to come!

A project that will support thousands of direct and indirect jobs by an Australian company with a good reputation.

I worked at AIS, BHP & Bluescope Steel for 42 years including 1,2 &3 Blast Furnace Dept’s. As the sole bread winner I supported a family of 6 who still live & work in the Illawarra & indirectly for Bluescope Steel. The blast furnace is integral to the operation of BSL, the Illawarra and our nation although most would not realise the importance of No 6 blast furnace. With up to 6 indirectly employed for each employee. The Illawarra would not realise how much AIS, BHP & BSL have generously donated to the community including the Scouts of which I was involved with for 23 years & personally know of many other organisations but they got absolutely no recognition. If this project is not approved it would be the biggest hit to the Illawarra in my memory & one we cannot afford to loose. Please approve!!

We need to project to proceed to ensure that Australia continues to make good quality steel.
The N6 Blast Furnace is needed until a new manufacturing process can be developed.

Please see my attached submission.

i believe this project is a huge boost to the industry in the Illawarra area for the future.
Pipe & engineering have been operating in the Illawarra area for over 40 years and in this time we have seen a lot of closures and restructuring so its fantastic to see Bluescope steel committing such significant investment in the Australian steel industry at the Port Kembla site.

I strongly support the proposed No6 Blast Furnace Reline Project.

The Port Kembla Steelworks (PKSW) is one of the major employers in the Wollongong/Illawarra area providing jobs to both direct BlueScope employees and external contractors, and supporting a range of local businesses including engineering, fabrication, labour hire, equipment hire and suppliers, etc. The No6 Blast Furnace Reline is an essential infrastructure project and is vital in securing the future and success of the PKSW, its employees, associated businesses and the wider community. Investment in this project is an acknowledgement of BlueScope's commitment to the future of manufacturing and steelmaking in Australia, for which I am a significant advocate.

This project will also generate additional jobs and provide opportunity to implement environmental improvements/upgrades and improved ironmaking/steelmaking processes and provide a sound foundation for future steelmaking technology and innovation.

The project proposal, consultation and planning to date is thorough and sufficiently addresses the environmental and community aspects. Based on the information provided, I believe the project with be able to be effectively implemented and completed as proposed, without any detrimental impacts.

Steelmaking is vital to the security of our nation but every effort should be made to make it as environmentally harmless as possible.

I strongly support the reline of the #6 Blast Furnace, as it will ensure sustainability of the Blue scope Steelworks. The steelworks is an essential and integral part of the local economy in the Illawarra region, providing significant direct and indirect employment opportunities. Failure to ensure the viability of Iron production with the reline of the furnace will impact on the capacity of the steelworks to fulfill its capacity to produce steel products. It is my understanding that significant environmental initiatives are being included in the rebuild to address issues such as carbon dioxide outputs. I appreciate the importance of industr needing to address the impacts on climate change, including strategies to produce green steel. I also appreciate that iron production requires the use of metallurgical coal and cannot complete achieve carbon neutrality in the iron making stage. I also understand the work will also ensure the blast furnace can utilize such new innovations as Hydrogen in the production process where possible in the future. I understand that Blue Scope is a responsible industry and endeavors where ever possible to ensure its activities have smaller negative impacts on the local community and environment.

The steelwork in the Illawarra area bad been the backbone of the region for around 100 years. This will most likely be the last Blast Furnace rebuild while new processes are developed to an industrial level. To me this Blast Furnace need to be rebuilt in the interim with improved environment systems over the current furnace. We need to keep BlueScope operational for the sake of the Illawarra and Australia

Valuable assest for Australian manufacturing