Thank you Paul for that warm introduction, and thank you for inviting me to be part of this exciting day.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather today, the WhadjukNoongar people, and I pay my respects to their Elders past and present.

It is a real pleasure to be here this morning, not only as the Minister for Resources, but also as the Federal Member for Brand.

I also want to pass on a message from our Premier and local Member for Kwinana Roger Cook, who is unable to be here today. 

He has asked me to pass on his thanks and congratulations because he recognises just how important this project is for our local community and economy.

This community is built on hard work, industry, and innovation. 

The Kwinana Industrial strip has been the engine room of Western Australia’s industrial economy since the 1950’s.

And Cockburn Cement has been part of that story from the very beginning, when they commenced production in 1955  – providing the materials to build our Western Australian cities and towns and our homes, and our industry. 

Now, Cockburn Cement is part of Adbri – an Australian construction pioneer since firing up lime kilns in South Australia in 1882.

CC has provided cement to all major infrastructure projects in WA

• Metronet
• Forrestfield Airport Link
• Perth Stadium
• Matagarup Bridge

And as the only lime producer in WA, Cockburn is a vital part of the supply chain of our great resources industry - providing inputs to mineral sands, alumina and gold processing operations across the state.

This new Kwinana facility is a landmark development, and Adbri’s largest investment in upgrading a plant.

It is supporting growth in the company and cement production, and importantly: 

• employed 377 construction workers
• employed over 2000 workers across the project
• and local content inputs worth $288 million dollars.

This is not just a major upgrade to this plant, but a major commitment to the future of our local economy and workforce here in Kwinana.

I want to thank everyone involved. 

To the thousands of workers who’ve been part of the build, and to the entire team at Cockburn Cement and Adbri.

Thank you for your long-term commitment to this region and its people.

You are not just investing in the industry we nee to build infrastructure and homes -  you are investing in local jobs, skills, and the of this state. 

As Federal Minister for Resources and Member for Brand, I am thrilled that I have major businesses like Cockburn Cement in my electorate that are getting things done.

You work is critical to the physical and economic fabric of this state.

So again, thank you to everyone who made this project a reality.

It is now my great pleasure to unveil the plaque to mark this major milestone.