Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the federal government’s Powering the Regions Fund is delivering $330 million to nine projects to keep Australian industry not just surviving but thriving, as demand for low emissions products grows around the world.
These nine projects will create hundreds of new jobs during construction and secure existing regional roles that have supported Australian families and communities for generations.
Minister Bowen was at Cement Australia’s century-old Railton facility in Tasmania today, to announce $52.9 million to upgrade their kiln and increase the use of alternative fuels such as waste to reduce emissions. Other projects backed by the Albanese Government include:
- $93 million for an energy efficiency upgrade at the QAL Alumina refinery in Gladstone, QLD
- $50 million to reduce emissions intensity at the Adbri cement manufacturing in Port Adelaide, SA
- $44 million for energy efficiency upgrades at Shoalhaven Starches food manufacturing in Nowra, NSW
- $35 million to power Murrin Murrin cobalt and nickel operations with renewables in Leonora, WA
- $32.9 million for emissions reduction at the CSBP chemical manufacturing facility in Kwinana, WA
- $15 million to electrify the Grange Resources Iron Ore mine in Savage River, Tas
- $5 million for fuel switching at the Grange Resources Iron Pellet plant in Port Latta, Tas
- $700, 000 for alternative fuel trial at Liberty metals manufacturing site in Bell Bay, Tas
Industries like cement, alumina, mining, iron and steel processing, chemicals manufacturing and food processing are all critical not only to Australia’s past but our future, which is why we’re investing in them for the long-term.
These projects will also cut 830,000 tonnes of emissions every year, equivalent to taking over a quarter of a million cars off Australian roads.
Minister Bowen said the grants would future-proof Australia’s heavy industries in a decarbonising world.
“This $330 million investment in Australia’s hard-to-abate manufacturing and mining facilities is about securing the future of high-quality, low-emissions products made right here,” he said.
“Northern Tasmania, Central Queensland and Western Australia have been industrial powerhouses for generations, and the Albanese Government is ensuring that continues.
“As global markets change rapidly – we’re supporting Australian industry to not only survive but thrive with our world-class products that support regional jobs across the country.”
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