The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has signed a contract worth $292 million with Liberty Primary Steel for the supply of heavy-duty rail that will support 1,500 jobs in the coming years.
The Whyalla plant will soon start rolling more than 147,000 tonnes of steel rail under the contract, including more than 110,000 tonnes for the remaining sections of the nation-building Inland Rail.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said rail orders rolling into Whyalla is great news. “The orders from the Federal Government owned ARTC have been incredibly important to the survival and bounce back of the Whyalla steel operations since the sale to GFG Alliance and these orders continue to be an important economic boost for the state,” he said.
“In recent times the facility has returned to profit and it is important GFG invest those profits back into the plant and take advantages of the assistance we are providing to move to more environmentally friendly products with the ultimate goal being “green steel.
“South Australian-made steel is among the highest quality in the world and our rail products are first class, a credit to all concerned.
“Liberty Primary Steel has previously supplied steel for Inland Rail, including contracts worth $51 million for the Parkes to Narromine and Narrabri to North Star sections of the project and this purchase is a repeat vote of confidence.
“Whyalla is a very busy place at the moment and is well positioned to be at the centre of a manufacturing resurgence in SA. This contract will see Whyalla continue making a significant contribution to Australia’s major infrastructure projects that are a catalyst for jobs and economic stimulus across Australia.”
The contract will also support upgrades between Narrabri and Turrawan, a vital connection between Inland Rail and the Hunter Valley coal network, and the Southern Highlands line in New South Wales.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the latest contract further highlights how Inland Rail is already benefitting Australia.
“Rail infrastructure keeps Australia moving and our economy growing, which is why we’re getting projects like Inland Rail done,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Inland Rail will further strengthen our freight network, keeping supply chains open, providing exporters with better access to international markets and creating jobs and economic opportunities for businesses.
“This $292 million contract is a vote of confidence in Australian manufacturing, ensuring the high-quality steel needed to bring Inland Rail to life is made by Australians for the benefit of Australians.”
For more information on Inland Rail contracts and commitments, or to explore opportunities to supply Inland Rail, visit https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/opportunities/suppliers.
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 02 6277 4967 Feb 25 2022