Hilltops Council has approved the rezoning of land at 2–20 Telegraph Road, Young — clearing the way for Apollo Fabrication Group to expand its steel fabrication operations and drive a strong, sustainable future for regional manufacturing.
The decision, made at Council’s July meeting (Wednesday 23 July), follows public exhibition of Apollo’s planning proposal and endorsement through the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s Gateway Determination process.
Apollo Fabrication Group Managing Director Caleb Jackson welcomed Council’s support, which enables Apollo to move ahead with a staged, long-term growth strategy that will nearly double its workforce, inject millions into the local economy, and secure Young’s position as a hub for innovative steel fabrication.
“This is a major milestone for Apollo and Young,” Mr Jackson said. “It gives us the certainty we need to invest in our operations and build for the future —supporting local jobs, and the long-term economic resilience of our region.” Founded in Young in 2000, the family-owned business has grown from humble beginnings to become a national leader in architectural and structural steel solutions. It currently employs around 70 people, with plans to grow to more than 130 over the next decade.
The business is scaling up to meet strong demand across NSW and the eastern seaboard — with more than $100 million in major projects in the pipeline. Recent projects include the Australian War Memorial Annex in Canberra, Barangaroo Pier Pavilion in Sydney, the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge, and Wyong Hospital on the Central Coast.
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“From Young, we’re delivering complex steelwork for some of the country’s most significant infrastructure and community projects,” Mr Jackson said.
“The strength of our pipeline reflects the quality of our team — and why this expansion is critical to securing Apollo’s ability to compete as a regionally based manufacturer.” “Our plans for the Telegraph Road site are grounded in sustainable design and construction, and our commitment to environmental responsibility in our day-to-day operations,” he said.
The first stage will see construction of a fully enclosed 4,000m² loading and storage facility, designed to boost production capacity, streamline logistics, and reduce environmental impacts including noise, dust and emissions.
An independent economic forecast shows Apollo’s operations currently contribute $15.8 million to the local economy each year — projected to increase to $25 million once the new loading and storage facility is in operation.
Apollo’s future plans are also underpinned by its ongoing investment in workforce development.
The company’s in-house Steel Fabrication Training Opportunities Program offers a pathway for people in the Hilltops and surrounding regions to gain trade qualifications and build rewarding careers locally.
“Our future depends on our people,” Mr Jackson said.
“This program is enabling us to develop the workforce we need to grow, while supporting locals to live, learn and thrive, right here in Young.”
Since the program’s launch in 2022, 30 qualifications have been awarded, and currently, 12 employees are undertaking Certificate III or IV training under the NSW Smart and Skilled Apprenticeship/Traineeship program.
The land has been rezoned to E3 Productivity Support and RE1 Public Recreation under the Hilltops Local Environmental Plan 2022.
This includes a Voluntary Planning Agreement that will contribute to infrastructure upgrades at the Telegraph Road and Murringo Road intersection.
“We would like to thank the Hilltops Council staff for all their work so far over the past 5 years on our proposal, and thank the Hilltops Councillors for their support.” ABOUT APOLLO FABRICATION GROUP Founded in 2000, the family-run business started out manufacturing specialist waste management equipment before evolving to become one of Australia’s leading names in the design, fabrication and installation of large, complex and architectural steelwork.
From humble beginnings, the company now provides building solutions to the education, community, health, industrial, justice, residential, defence, and education sectors. Based in Young, NSW, the company is committed to innovation, sustainability, and supporting the local community through job creation and economic development.
