Gippsland workers on the winds of change

This article was originally published on August 28, 2024

New opportunities for long-term and sustainable growth are gathering momentum across Gippsland, as was on show at the Yallourn Power Station Training and Careers Fair hosted by Energy Australia in August.

With the closure of the oldest power station in the Latrobe Valley set for 2028, Energy Australia’s $10 million Power Your Future program provides transition supports to workers, including retraining and upskilling, career and redeployment planning, links to employment opportunities, and financial counselling.

The Net Zero Economy Authority and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations were invited to attend to talk with workers, industry and community stakeholders.

Coal power and mining workers have many of the core skills and qualifications needed to work in offshore wind - an industry set to play a major part in Australia’s net zero transition.

The Australian Government has granted 12 offshore wind feasibility licenses in Gippsland.

These projects could generate 25GW of electricity – more electricity than Victoria generated in 2023. The proposed projects could create over 15,000 jobs during construction and another 7,500 ongoing jobs as projects roll out over the next 10-15 years.

The Yallourn Power Station Training and Careers Fair showcased career opportunities aligned with workers’ skills, expertise and capabilities in new and emerging industries.

Earlier this month, the Victorian Government released the report Transition Opportunities: Coal to Offshore Wind to demonstrate how workers in Gippsland's coal power industry can play a significant role in Victoria's new offshore wind sector. You can read it here: Transition Opportunities Coal to Offshore Wind (007).pdf (energyaustralia.com.au)

The Authority will continue supporting workers in closing facilities, to ensure they have the right supports and skills to transition to new employment and connect them to other employers in the region.