Our thoughts are with the workers and their families who will be impacted by Energy Australia’s decision to close the Yallourn Power Station four years early.
The Yallourn Power Station has long been a pillar of strength for Victoria and the National Energy Market.
It has provided the reliable generation needed to keep energy prices low and the grid secure for decades.
As an employer of around 500 staff and an important contributor to the local economy, our thoughts are with the workers, their families and local business owners who rely on the power station for their livelihoods.
While the Government understands this is a commercial decision, the exit of 1480 MW of reliable energy generation brings with it reliability and affordability concerns.
Energy costs remain one of the largest expenses for regional manufacturing, and today’s announcement will create greater uncertainty for many of those working in regional Victoria.
Baseload power from Victorian brown coal power stations has been a cornerstone for manufacturing in regional Victoria, an area the Nationals will ensure is supported following this announcement.
The Nationals note Energy Australia’s commitment to developing additional energy storage infrastructure through a 350 MW battery. We will be monitoring Energy Australia’s development of this proposal to ensure regional Victoria benefits from the construction and operation of this project.
The last thing we want to see in Victoria is another battery project trucked into regional Victoria from interstate or overseas to see only a short-term boost to employment and no long-term jobs or benefits for local manufacturing.
The company must also commit to helping its employees find rewarding and sustainable careers in their local region to help sustain the local economy, businesses and services.
The Nationals will ensure that regional manufacturing continues to be a national priority, and that regional jobs will be developed and not sacrificed as a result of Energy Australia’s announcement.