NorthConnex supports Western Sydney jobs

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance toured InfraBuild Steel’s Sydney Steel Mill where steel for Sydney’s NorthConnex project is being manufactured.

As construction of the $3 billion NorthConnex project powers ahead, Western Sydney businesses are benefiting from the opportunity to supply goods and services to build the underground tunnel connecting the M1 Pacific and Hills M2 motorways.

In July 2018, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance toured the InfraBuild Steel Sydney Steel Mill (formerly LIBERTY Sydney Steel Mill) at Rooty Hill, where steel for the NorthConnex project is being manufactured.

Ms Berejiklian said it is a great example of major infrastructure projects creating local jobs, which has resulted in Western Sydney recording a record low unemployment rate of 4.9 per cent.

“NorthConnex will create around 8700 jobs over its lifetime – and 300 of those are here at InfraBuild,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“These workers have helped supply enough steel reinforcing to stretch from Sydney to Perth since they started working on the project in November 2015.

“The project has relied on Western Sydney businesses to supply fixings and fasteners, general hardware, site vehicles and temporary tunnel lighting.”

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said approximately 300 businesses based in western Sydney have been engaged to supply materials, goods and services.

“NorthConnex is committed to supporting Australian industry, in particular businesses located near the project and in key employment areas such as Western Sydney,” Mr Constance said.

“The project has benefited from proximity to quality suppliers, and suppliers have benefited from the increase in work.”

Neil Gibson, InfraBuild Steel Chief Operating Officer, said most of the steel for NorthConnex has been manufactured, processed and fabricated at sites in Western Sydney.

“The project involves a number of outstanding local businesses in the supply chain, including InfraBuild Steel, as well as fabricators, fixers and transport companies that consistently demonstrate their commitment to building a better Sydney,” Mr Gibson said.

“We are proud to contribute to projects of the scale and importance of NorthConnex. This is nation-building at work, paving the way for the future of our workforce, communities and Australia.”

The Northern Interchange compound is serving as a temporary construction compound until the opening of NorthConnex in 2019.