The Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA) has commenced a public consultation process to assess whether an Energy Industry Jobs Plan is required to support workers impacted by the scheduled closure of Yallourn Power Station in July 2028.
Yallourn Power Station and coal mine are located in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley and owned by EnergyAustralia. The power station and the mine currently employ around 500 workers on site, supplying up to 20% of Victoria’s electricity demand. Yallourn will be the third closure assessed under the Energy Industry Jobs Plan framework.
The announcement follows regional community workshops held by the Authority in partnership with the Australian and state government, in Morwell on November 25 and 26. Discussions with businesses, unions, industry, and community members focused on challenges and priorities for the region as part of the net zero transition. This included a focus on how new industrial investment in the region could help support job creation in the Latrobe and Gippsland region.
Related article: FWC to establish jobs plan for Torrens Island B workers
The consultation for an Energy Industry Jobs Plan at Yallourn will help the Authority understand how the closure may affect workers, businesses, and the local community; the transition supports already in place; and what opportunities exist in the regional labour market.
NZEA CEO David Shankey said, “The Energy Industry Jobs Plan is designed to ensure workers impacted by closing power stations can access structured and reliable transition supports from their employers to build new skills and find new job opportunities.
“Some employers are already providing transition support for their workforce, and this will be taken into account during our assessment process. An Energy Industry Jobs Plan is implemented where it is needed, and the consultation process we’ve launched today is an important step in reaching that decision.”
Related article: AEMO releases draft 2026 Integrated System Plan
A consultation paper has been released to support participation. Alongside the public process, the Authority will also engage directly with key stakeholders in the Latrobe region, including EnergyAustralia, supply chain businesses, unions, employer organisations, and local employers.
Last month the Fair Work Commission agreed that an Energy Industry Jobs Plan would be required for workers at Torrens Island B Power Station. AGL must now ensure appropriate support for workers are in place.
The consultation paper outlines the key issues the Authority is seeking feedback on, including how the closure may impact workers, businesses or community, what support services are already available to workers, and what job opportunities exist in the region across different occupations and skill levels. Submissions close February 6, 2026.
