Weld Australia is calling on the country’s government to mandate local content in the construction of critical national infrastructure projects such as the Star of the South offshore wind farm.
The Offshore Energy Infrastructure Bill could permit the construction of the 2.2GW Star of the South wind farm off the Gippsland coast in Victoria’s south-east.
The legislation could also enable construction of the Marinus Link interconnector between Victoria and Tasmania, as well as large onshore wind farms in areas like Gladstone, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Weld Australia chief executive Geoff Crittenden said: “The only way to ensure that these massive wind turbines meet Australian standards for reliability, quality and safety is to award the fabrication contracts to local Australian companies.
“Local fabricators comply with internationally recognised Australian Standards and are certified by the relevant Australian authority.
The Star of the South and Marinus Link interconnector projects alone are worth A$10bn combined and are expected to create 10,000 jobs.
Crittenden said a procurement policy that mandates local content would see that amount reinvested back into the economy.
“It would create thousands of jobs in regional areas like Gippsland, Gladstone and Newcastle-jobs that are absolutely essential to Australia’s post-COVID-19 recovery.
“Mandating local content in national infrastructure projects is the only way to ensure product quality and public safety, create new jobs, and strength Australia’s economy,” said Crittenden”, he added.