I support this project as it is vital for ongoing employment for thousands of people in the Illawarra region. It is also critical that Australia maintains local steel manufacturing capability

The Port Kembla Steelworks is one of Australia's last major manufacturing sites. Without the reline of Blast Furnace 6 going ahead, there is a good chance the current blast furnace will reach end of life before Furnace 6 can be made operational. Should this happen, Australia will be forced to import steel, likely from China, and will become wholly dependent on other countries for yet another critical product.
In terms of the concerns re environmental impact: Australia's steel requirement is not going to reduce anytime soon. Therefore, we need to produce steel. There are currently no "green" methods of steel production that are suitable for the size of the industry this country requires. Therefore, blast furnace steelmaking remains, at present, the only viable option.

I support this project to maintain local manufacturing jobs, better to buy Australian Steel where all ENVIRONMENTAL concerns are managed by a reputable company and regulatory authority (EPA) instead of overseas steel that may be produced with minimal or low environmental concerns.
This project is critical for future generations of illawarra families many who have worked in the steel industry directly or indirectly for sub contractor or community small businesses.
We need to learn from recent world issues, that we need to encourage more home grown Manufacturing to provide the goods and services needed for individuals and industry to flourish so we become more self sufficient and not rely on overseas tryants and to be held hostage for their goods and services.

This project is a vital step towards ensuring the Illawarra Region and in turn Australia are able to continue being a world leader in the Steelmaking industry. Not only will it ensure Australia's Steel manufacturing can continue for years to come, it also provides countless employment opportunities for the Region and beyond.

I would like to voice my support for this project. BlueScope Steel are a long standing employer in the Illawarra region and have demonstrated themselves to be a responsible organisation with regard to the community and environment around them. It is also of significant importance that we are able to manufacture our own steel in Australia and investment in local manufacturing more broadly should be encouraged.

Without this project the future of largest employer in the Illawarra would be in jeopardy. Steel is also a vital commodity for Australia and if BlueScope steel closes then we are reliant on cheaper lower quality imported steel. Relining the blast furnace is a no brainer for the future of the region.

I wholly believe this project will only benefit the local community further. Any concerns regarding its environmental impact have no grounds given the already stringent management of environmental controls in the community.

I fully support BlueScope Steels investment in the 6BF Reline project. Its critical that as a country we maintain steelmaking capacity, not just for jobs but as a crucial component of our national security.

Having worked at BlueScope for over 30 years I am well aware of how important this project is to the community including myself and my family. I was aware of the effort and capital being spent to make this project as sustainable as possible for the future. I was so impressed with the work being done that I wanted to play a direct part in it and was luck enough to be able to join the project team.

• Securing the short-medium term future of steelmaking at Port Kembla.
• Will create up to 10,000 local jobs during operation.
• Ability to continue manufacturing steel in Australia to protect our national security.