The Australian government has approved three significant wind farm projects in New South Wales —Liverpool Range, Spicers Creek, and Hills of Gold — adding over 2,400 megawatts of renewable energy capacity to the national grid.
This development is celebrated as a major step forward in Australia’s renewable energy transition, with the potential to power millions of homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 6.5 million tonnes annually.
However, Weld Australia has raised concerns about the lack of enforceable local content policies tied to these projects, which could leave Australian manufacturers sidelined.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, welcomed the approval as a milestone but criticised its implications for local industry.
“Without enforceable local content policies, these wind farms will simply be built using imported steel and offshore fabrication, creating jobs overseas instead of here in Australia,” he said.
Crittenden emphasised that mandating Australian-made steel and fabrication by local welders is essential to ensure these projects benefit domestic industries.
The approval comes amid a record 77 renewable energy projects under the federal government’s tenure.
However, Weld Australia argues that failing to prioritise Australian manufacturers risks further closures in the sector.
For example, Keppel Prince, Australia’s last mainland wind tower manufacturer, was forced to mothball its operations due to competition from cheap imports.
Crittenden called for immediate government action to mandate local content requirements for renewable energy projects.
He proposed that exemptions should only be granted under strict oversight by an Australian Fabrication Authority to ensure compliance with safety standards and fair terms for local manufacturers.
Weld Australia also highlighted concerns about the quality of imported fabricated steel.
According to Crittenden, foreign steel often fails to meet Australian Standards, raising questions about the long-term safety and durability of infrastructure projects.
“Safety cannot be compromised for the sake of short-term cost savings,” he stated.
While the Liverpool Range, Spicers Creek, and Hills of Gold wind farms are expected to generate substantial environmental and economic benefits — including hundreds of jobs and millions in regional investment — the debate underscores a broader issue: balancing renewable energy goals with support for domestic industries.
Weld Australia is urging the federal government to introduce enforceable local content mandates to ensure that these projects benefit not only Australia’s energy future but also its manufacturing sector.
Crittenden concluded with a strong call to action: “The government must back its own rhetoric and ensure that all renewable energy projects ‘Buy Local.’
“Otherwise, these wind farms will be built with foreign steel, foreign labour, and foreign profits—while Australian businesses and workers are left behind.”
