Latrobe City Council is advocating for a coordinated approach to workforce transition ahead of the scheduled closure of Yallourn W Power Station in July 2028.
At its March Council meeting, Council endorsed a submission to the Net Zero Economy Authority, strongly supporting the establishment of an Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP). In its submission, Council highlighted the significant economic, social and financial impacts the closure of the Power Station will have across Latrobe City, as well as the need for timely, mandated and proportionate support for impacted workers, families, businesses and the broader community.
Council strongly supports the EIJP combination of employer obligations and authority-led redeployment supports, including coordination services, grants and incentives.
The closure is expected to affect on-site workers, as well as those employed as contractors and local businesses that rely on the power station's operations. Council notes that beyond job losses, the effects are likely to impact household incomes, local spending and business confidence.
The Yallourn W closure represents another stage in the region's ongoing shift away from coal-fired power, following the closure of Hazelwood Power Station in 2017. While new industries are emerging, Council's submission highlights that replacement employment has not yet matched the scale or timing of these major industry exits.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson said Council wants to help all of our community because we will all be affected by the Yallourn W Power Station closure.
"The closure affects us and we need to get the plan right for our people," said the Mayor."
"It is imperative that the Net Zero Economic Authority take on board the points raised in our submission. This will ensure that workers at Yallourn, as well as our community, have security into the future."
While existing transition programs delivered by industry are acknowledged, Council considers these alone will not address the full scale and complexity of the transition. A formal EIJP would introduce consistent standards of support, improve access to retraining and redeployment, and help coordinate opportunities across the regional labour market.
Latrobe City has the infrastructure, workforce and industrial base to support new industries. This submission sets out the actions needed to help enable that shift, including coordinated and timely support. An action Council highlighted was that an Economic Support Package could assist in attracting investment, supporting local business growth and creating jobs, while improving the conditions for businesses to operate and expand in the region.
Latrobe City Council will continue to work with government, industry and the community to support a coordinated transition that protects local jobs, strengthens the economy and supports long-term resilience across the region.
Read the full submission here: https://app.converlens.com/netzero/an-energy-industry-jobs-plan-for-yallourn/survey/view/10
