Origin Energy's announcement that it will extend the operation of Eraring Power Station until 2029 is welcome news for the workforce, delivering two additional years of employment at a time when future jobs remain uncertain, the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) said today.
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said rumours of a possible extension had been circulating for some time, creating unnecessary anxiety for workers and their families about how best to prepare for closure.
"This decision finally provides some certainty for the employees at Eraring," Mr Williams said.
"But it must also provide certainty for the hundreds of workers in Eraring's supply chain — particularly those at Myuna Colliery, which exists solely to supply coal to the power station."
There are approximately 500 directly employed and contractor workers at Eraring Power Station and a further 300 workers at the neighbouring Myuna Colliery, operated by Centennial Coal.
Mr Williams said while power station workers would welcome job security to 2029, Origin currently has no long‑term coal supply contract in place with Myuna.
"Myuna is next door to Eraring, wholly dependent on the power station, and produces the quality coal the plant was designed to operate on," he said.
"This new timeline certainty for Eraring should spur Origin to lock in coal supply from Myuna through to 2029, supporting local jobs and ensuring the power station continues to operate efficiently."
The Mining and Energy Union warned that failing to utilise Myuna coal over the extended operating life of Eraring would undermine commitments to a fair and orderly energy transition.
"We have governments and energy employers talking the talk on a fair transition," Mr Williams said.
"Any failure to support Myuna by securing coal supply through to 2029 would be a breach of faith with the Lake Macquarie community that has hosted this power station for decades and would trash workers' confidence that a fair transition is genuinely underway."
The MEU also welcomed early indications from the Federal Government's Net Zero Economy Authority that it intends to pursue enforceable transition support for workers at Eraring and across its supply chain, including Myuna.
"Getting the energy transition right — while maintaining energy security and supporting workers and communities — is complex," Mr Williams said.
"But now is the time for all parties to step up, take responsibility, and do the right thing — not just chase profits."
