Boulder Steel is chomping at the bit to build a steel plant in the Gladstone region and says there will be benefits for everyone. The plant, if built, will become one of the region's biggest employers with 1800 permanent operational staff.
A spokesperson said that "Becoming one of the region's largest employers is of significant benefit to not only the Gladstone region but to the national economy in terms of export. It is a brand new industry for Queensland and will create a new skill base. It's estimated the project (and) plant would inject about USD 400million into the Gladstone economy every year for approximately 50 years, so yes it is a significant operation not only in terms of jobs but supply opportunities for local business and contractors."
The company predicts the plant will add USD 3 billion to Australia's balance of payments per year.
If a final investment decision is made, Boulder Steel said construction was due to begin late 2013 or early 2014.
The last couple of years have been tough for Australia's steel industry, but Boulder Steel said its Gladstone plant was designed using new technology, including the capture of waste gas and heat to supply a cogeneration power station adjacent to the plant.
