Australia’s manufacturing capability will receive continued support from Bell Bay Aluminium, with a $200 million joint investment and a new power agreement securing the Tasmanian smelter’s operations through to the end of 2031, according to the Australian Aluminium Council and government statements.
The investment will be split between the Federal and Tasmanian governments over five years and is expected to support the facility’s 550 workers, as well as around 1,000 workers indirectly employed across Northern Tasmania.
Australian Aluminium Council CEO Marghanita Johnson said the agreements provide certainty for the facility, which contributes more than $250 million annually to the Tasmanian economy.
“A new era is dawning for Tasmania, with today’s announcement providing certainty for Bell Bay Aluminium for the next five years,” Johnson said.
Bell Bay Aluminium was established more than 70 years ago and was the first aluminium smelter in the Southern Hemisphere. The Council said the facility has played a significant role in Australia’s industrial development and will continue supplying domestic customers and international trading partners.
“While Bell Bay has played a significant role in the history of Australia’s sovereign industrial capability, today it has secured its place in Australia’s industrial future through to the end of 2031,” Johnson said.
Federal Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres said the investment would support Australian manufacturing while work continues on a longer-term plan for the Bell Bay region.
“The Albanese Government is backing Australian industry, Australian workers and Australian manufacturing by securing Bell Bay Aluminium smelter while a future plan for the Bell Bay region is worked through,” Ayres said.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the investment would also provide greater certainty for businesses connected to the facility.
“This investment also provides certainty for the supply chain, with many Tasmanian businesses having the confidence to invest, grow and do business,” Rockliff said.
The government statement said Bell Bay is positioned to support further investment in manufacturing, resources and export-focused industries, with the precinct identified in Tasmania’s Northern Economic Plan as part of the region’s future economic development.
Johnson said the announcement also highlights the broader importance of aluminium to Australia’s economy and manufacturing base. The industry directly employs more than 20,000 people and indirectly supports a further 55,000 families, predominantly in regional Australia, according to the Council.
“Australia’s aluminium industry competes not only with global companies, but with governments actively backing their own industries,” Johnson said.
Reliable and competitive energy remains critical to the industry, with the Council calling for coordinated policy settings to support value-added manufacturing and Australia’s position in global supply chains.
“Aluminium is essential to Australia’s transport, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, defence capability and emerging technologies,” Johnson said.
The government statement said the support package is in addition to a five-year power agreement for Bell Bay Aluminium. Tasmanian Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan said the combined arrangements would support 550 direct jobs and $5 billion in economic activity over the next five years.
