Hazelwood Power Plant closure threatens barramundi survival

THE JOBS are gone and soon the fish at Hazelwood’s power plant pondage could be too. Eager anglers suspect 7000 barramundi released just last year only have about a month to live.

Adrian Line and son Kian, 11, fish for Barramundi at Hazelwood pondage. Picture: Jason Edwards

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THE jobs are gone and soon the fish at Hazelwood’s power plant pondage could be too.

Eager anglers suspect the 7000 barramundi released into the recreational waterway just last year only have about a month to live.

It follows the shutdown of all eight coal-fuelled burners that kept the water at higher temperatures.

Hundreds of supporters will be at the site near Morwell on Friday as the last workers clock off for the last time.

More than 450 employees and 300 contractors have been left jobless after the French-owned energy company Engie made the decision to shut down last year.

Unions representatives — and even an AC/DC cover band — will be positioned at the main gate as the push to ensure sacked workers get the support they need.

“We just want to properly acknowledge their efforts through the years as they come off shift for the final time,’’ Gippsland Trades and Labour Council secretary Steve Dodd said.

Green activists are also rumoured to be headed to the site. Police will be on standby.

Adrian Line, whose father Ron was a unit attendant and charge engineer for years before his death, said the plant held an important place in the hearts of locals.

“It’s a sad time for the community,’’ he said.

“My father worked there for years. My family have enjoyed the pondage for fishing and swimming. It’s the end of an era.’’

Fisheries Victoria spokesman Travis Dowling said he remained optimistic the barramundi would survive, but commercial fisherman were ready in case signs showed otherwise.

“Modelling form the Melbourne University have shown the water coming from the underground aquifers could be enough to keep a section of the pondage at around 27 degrees,’’ Mr Dowling said. “If the barra can find that water they will be OK.’’

He said the real problem was up to 40 tons of tropical fish that had been dumped and survived in the waterway for decades.

“The barramundi have actually gorged on these fish so we remain hopeful they will survive.’’