What if the steel shaping Australia’s future could be forged cleaner, stronger and entirely at home?
At Swanbank, Queensland, that future is no longer hypothetical. It’s underway.
A new era for Australian steel
For the first time in more than 30 years, a new steel mill is being built in Australia. Developed by Future Forgeworks, the Swanbank Steel Mill is now fully approved for development and technically de-risked, with first steel targeted for 2028.
CIMIC Group companies, UGL and CPB Contractors have been awarded the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) works to support design development, cost planning and delivery strategy. This phase will inform the final EPC contract.
Once complete, the facility will produce 350,000 tonnes of green reinforcing steel each year using advanced continuous mill technology and electric arc furnace powered by renewable energy, reducing emissions by up to 70 per cent compared to existing Australian steelmakers.
Together, the team is shaping a modern, buildable steel facility from the ground up.
“Future Forgeworks has selected UGL and CPB Contractors as our ECI partner, along with their design partner, Beca, as they are one of the most experienced Australian-based teams with current proven heavy industrial and steel construction experience. They also have a strong track record of delivering on time to the highest quality standards.” Rohan Richardson, CEO, Future Forgeworks.
Real progress, real impact
Once operational, the mill will:
- Supply around 20 per cent of Australia’s rebar market
- Replace 350,000 tonnes of imported steel
- Create 400+ construction jobs, 200+ operational roles, and 500+ supply chain jobs
It will also redirect 385,000 tonnes local scrap into domestic production, supporting a true circular economy and helping builders meet embodied carbon targets.
For UGL and CPB Contractors, Swanbank is more than a project. It is an opportunity to support Australian industry and deliver a cleaner, more resilient steel supply. Drawing on deep experience across renewable energy, transmission and storage infrastructure, we are helping accelerate the transition to lower-emissions industrial processes and a more sustainable energy future.