Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

Again, Senator Patrick, I acknowledge that you are a strong advocate for your state and I certainly understand your desire to see the interconnector built and running. South Australia does need access to a more reliable power grid. I can advise that in September this year the Morrison government provided Ferretti International a $600,000 grant to support a feasibility study to develop transmission-tower manufacturing in Whyalla using steel from the Whyalla steelworks. The outcome of the feasibility study is due to be completed by the end of the year. Ferretti may then seek to participate in the tender process to supply transmission towers to the New South Wales-SA interconnector, the EnergyConnect project. We would certainly welcome that outcome and we have been pleased to provide the basis on which the study and a possible tender could be forthcoming. It is ultimately, of course, a decision for the EnergyConnect project proponents.