The Minns Labor Government is creating local low-carbon manufacturing jobs on the NSW Mid North Coast by awarding just over $2 million to Solidcast, to boost production of low-carbon concrete panels used for housing and other projects.
The Australian-owned company, with a facility in Wauchope, has developed patented precast panels that cut emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional concrete.
These panels can be used in large-scale residential, commercial and civil projects, making construction faster, more affordable and more sustainable. This helps NSW deliver much-needed new housing supply while lowering the environmental impact of the building sector.
Labor's support to expand operations will create an extra 25 full-time jobs across construction and operation phases.
The concrete panels have attracted significant interest from builders, developers, architects, engineers and government project managers. As well as being easy to use for modular housing, they are also cyclone, fire and flood resistant.
This grant is funded through the NSW Government's Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, which is investing $480 million to help local businesses expand capability in renewable energy, low-carbon products and clean technologies.
For more information, visit https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/NetZeroManufacturing.
Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:
"The transition to net zero is not just about reducing emissions. It's about creating jobs, building industries, and ensuring communities benefit from the opportunities of a low-carbon economy.
"These concrete panels are lighter, stronger and can be made with recycled polystyrene, reducing both transport emissions and the amount of waste going to landfill.
"By backing projects like this, the Minns Labor Government is reducing the carbon footprint of the building industry and supporting regional jobs and housing delivery."
Quote attributable to Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin:
"Regional NSW is home to world-class innovation in sustainable construction and Solidcast is a great example.
"By backing manufacturers like Solidcast, we're building supply chains at home, reducing reliance on imports, and keeping investment and jobs in our regions."
