The Federal Government’s announcement it will not pursue closure of a number of carbon-intensive coal-fired power stations is a welcome reprieve for regional jobs and communities, the CFMEU Mining and Energy Union said today.

Energy Minister Martin Ferguson has announced the government will not pursue its contract-for-closure program under which it intended to buy out a number of brown coal power stations, including Hazelwood and Yallourn in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley. No power stations have been closed under the scheme.

“This is welcome news, because it demonstrates that the power stations are still valuable and commercially viable,” said CFMEU Mining and Energy General Secretary Andrew Vickers. “It is great news for the affected communities – especially the Latrobe Valley. It means they won’t face a jobs crisis in the short term as we work to create the next generation of good jobs in the region.

“The affected power stations will be able to continue to operate as long as they are commercially viable.

“The CFMEU understands that some power stations have a limited future due to age and other factors. In those circumstances we will work hard to limit undue adverse impacts on our members.

“This is a very welcome reprieve for energy workers and the local communities and economies that rely on these power stations.”

The Federal Government had been negotiating to buy out five power generators: Playford B in Port Augusta, South Australia; Ratch in Collinsville, Queensland; and Yallourn, Hazelwood and Energy Brix in the Latrobe Valley.

Comment: CFMEU M&E General Secretary Andrew Vickers 0418 190 889

More info: Martin Watters 0400 179 620