Plans have been lodged with Toowoomba Regional Council for Queensland’s first new steel mill in more than 30 years. The $450 million facility, proposed by Brisbane-based GM Steel, would cover 4.8 hectares of gross floor space and reach heights of 50 metres, operating around the clock.

If approved, it would be one of the most significant industrial developments in the state in decades. This marks a major milestone for both the steel and construction industries.

So what does this mean for the construction industry?

How the project will impact construction jobs in Queensland

The facility will produce about 350,000 tonnes of low-carbon steel rebar each year once fully operational. Rebar is a tension device added to concrete to strengthen it as part of building projects. This makes it a vital material in the construction sector.

Brisbane company GM Steel is behind the proposed development. Alan Morgan is the director of the company. He says the project will go a long way to meeting the steel needs of the state.

“It’s enough to supply more than 50 per cent of Queensland’s steel requirements each year, just in time to supply unprecedented demand for steel products associated with the state’s Big Build,” he told the Courier Mail.

Benefits of the new steel mill

Increased job opportunities

The project is expected to create around 400 jobs during construction and support 500 positions once operational. These positions span steelmaking, engineering, trades, transport and project management. These opportunities will provide a significant boost to the Toowoomba and wider Queensland workforce.

Reduced environmental impact

According to GM Steel, the use of electric arc furnace technology powered by recycled scrap steel will cut carbon emissions by up to 85%. This reflects the industry’s shift toward more sustainable methods and supports broader climate goals. Traditional steel mills typically rely on blast furnaces that burn large amounts of coal or coke, producing high levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants — not just on site, but also through associated mining, transport and energy use. By contrast, electric arc furnaces melt down scrap steel using electricity rather than coal. When paired with renewable energy sources they can deliver dramatically lower overall emissions.

Greater supply security

By sourcing scrap steel from across Queensland, the mill will reduce reliance on imports. It will also limit exposure to international price fluctuations. Reliable access to rebar will help contractors plan projects with greater certainty and ensure a stronger, more resilient local supply chain.

Looking ahead

Construction of the mill could begin in 2026, with operations starting by 2027. Once complete, the facility will play a key role in meeting the state’s growing demand for steel across housing, transport and major infrastructure projects. It also strengthens Queensland’s sovereign capability by ensuring more of the materials needed for the Big Build are produced locally. Beyond the direct impact, the mill has the potential to encourage further investment in regional manufacturing and inspire more innovation in sustainable building materials.

For the construction industry, the implications are wide-reaching. Alongside the benefits for supply and sustainability, the mill will help drive new construction career opportunities at every level.

With such a major project on the horizon, demand for skilled workers in construction and related industries will only continue to grow.

Are you looking for a new career? Construction Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services including our resume writing service and LinkedIn profile writing service.

Article References

Gillespie, T (6 September 2025) ‘GM Steel plans revealed: $450m ‘green’ steel mill proposed for Toowoomba’, Courier Mail, accessed 11 September 2025.

Gillespie, T (16 March 2025) ‘GM Steel plans $450m steel mill at Toowoomba, to produce 350k tonnes of rebar annually from southeast Qld scrap metal’, The Chronicle, accessed 11 September 2025.