Focus on local supply chain businesses as Eraring closure consultation begins
Public consultation is now open on whether an Energy Industry Jobs Plan should apply to the Eraring Power Station closure, with particular attention on how the shutdown may affect supply chain businesses and workers across the Lake Macquarie region.
The Net Zero Economy Authority has launched a public consultation to explore how the closure of Eraring Power Station in 2027 will affect workers and local businesses—and whether an Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) should be applied to help with the transition.
Located near Lake Macquarie, around 40km south of Newcastle, Eraring is Australia’s largest coal-fired power station. Its planned shutdown will affect around 216 direct employees, with additional impact expected for workers in dependent supply chain businesses.
The consultation will help the Authority assess what transition support is currently available and whether extra measures are needed to help people move into new jobs in the region. Submissions are open until 18 July, with in-person consultation sessions and site visits scheduled for June.
If the Authority decides that the EIJP is needed for Eraring, it will apply to the Fair Work Commission for a determination. This process would define which businesses must take part in providing supports such as career advice, training, and flexible work options to assist employees in finding new roles.
The EIJP can extend beyond the main operator to include businesses that rely on the power station for ongoing work. This may include contractors, service providers and other firms in the local supply chain. The Authority will also offer additional help through redeployment services like a regional jobs board and local employment coordinators.
“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.
The Authority is working with Origin Energy—Eraring’s owner—as well as unions and local businesses, to understand how they are supporting workers and how effective those measures are.
“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,” Mr Shankey added.
The consultation process is part of the Authority’s regular procedure, which requires it to start community engagement at least two years before any scheduled power station closure.
A consultation paper is available online to help guide community submissions. It asks for input on the expected impact of the closure, what support services are already available, and what skills and occupations are currently in demand in the region.
To take part, members of the public and stakeholders can submit feedback online or contact the EIJP team directly at EIJP@pmc.gov.au.
