Consultation open for closure of Eraring Power Station

The Net Zero Economy Authority has begun a consultation process to consider if an Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) framework should be applied to businesses impacted by the closure of Eraring Power Station, a black coal-fired power station located in the Lake Macquarie region, approximately 40km south of Newcastle. Eraring is scheduled to close in August 2027. 

The consultation will help the Authority determine how workers and businesses will be impacted by the Eraring closure and what supports are being provided for workers in the region to prepare for new employment.  

Following the consultation, the Authority will decide whether to apply to the Fair Work Commission for a determination to apply the EIJP to the Eraring closure. This will consider which employers should be included under the framework and required to provide transition supports to their workers. 

The EIJP supports employees impacted by the closure of closing coal-fired and gas-fired power stations to prepare for and transition to new employment.  

It places obligations on employers to provide transition supports to their employees, including access to career and financial advice, training, and paid time off or flexible working arrangements to access these supports. The framework can apply to the owner or operator of the power station, as well as businesses within the supply chain that will be directly impacted by the closure.  

Where the EIJP is in place, the Authority will also provide redeployment assistance to further support workers. This includes establishing an online jobs board and having on-the-ground coordinators to help link workers with new job opportunities in the region.  

'It is estimated the closure of Eraring will impact around 216 workers, along with workers from dependent businesses. This consultation is an important step for the Authority to understand existing transition supports and the capacity for workers to move to other employers in the region,' said David Shankey, CEO of the Net Zero Economy Authority. 

'It is through the EIJP, and via our work with communities and workers on the ground, that the Net Zero Economy Authority can support the regions most impacted by the transition to net zero. We want to ensure no community is left behind,' concluded Mr Shankey. 

The Authority will work closely with Origin, the owner and operator of Eraring Power Station, businesses within the supply chain at Eraring, and local unions to understand the impacts in the lead up to the closure and supports being provided to workers. 

The consultation is now taking submissions online until 18 July. The Authority will be visiting Eraring Power Station and conducting in-person consultations in June. The Authority encourages stakeholder submissions and feedback from the local community. 

If the Authority determines the EIJP is needed, the Authority will apply to the Fair Work Commission to formalise the decision, including which employers should be brought in under the framework. 

The NZEA is generally required to conduct the consultation process at least two years before a power station closure to give workers and businesses time to prepare. 

How can I participate? 

A consultation paper is available to support participation in the process.  

It seeks feedback on how the closure of Eraring Power Station will impact you, as well as your perspectives on what supports workers can already access and employment opportunities in the region, including the skills, occupations and levels of experience sought by local employers.  

You can provide your submissions here. 

If you have questions, you can contact the EIJP team via email at: EIJP@pmc.gov.au 

More information about the EIJP is available here.