The Net Zero Economy Authority has kicked off consultation to determine how it can best support businesses that will be impacted by the closure of Eraring Power Station, scheduled for August 2027.
The consultation will help the Net Zero Economy Authority understand how workers and businesses will be impacted by the Eraring closure, what supports are being provided for workers in the region to prepare for new employment, and whether an Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) framework is required.
Following the consultation period, the Net Zero Economy Authority said it 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 aims to support employees impacted by the closure of 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 Net Zero Economy 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.
Net Zero Economy Authority CEO, David Shankey, said 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 us to understand existing transition supports and the capacity for workers to move to other employers in the region,” he said.
“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 said.
The Net Zero Economy 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 2025. The authority is expected to visit Eraring Power Station and conduct in-person consultations in June 2025.
The Net Zero Economy Authority said it encourages stakeholder submissions and feedback from the local community.
If it determines the EIJP is needed, the Net Zero Economy Authority will apply to the Fair Work Commission to formalise the decision, including which employers should be brought in under the framework.
The Net Zero Economy Authority 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.
Responses to be consultation paper can be submitted here, and more information about the EIJP is available here.
