State Government unveils transition scheme to help Hazelwood workers

UP to 150 Hazelwood power station workers have been given a lifeline as the Victorian Government unveil a $20 million transition scheme.

The brown coal-fuelled Hazelwood Power Station, a thermal power station located in the Latrobe Valley outside Morwell, is set to close on March 31, 2017. CFMEU Hazelwood lodge president Mark Richards, left, and CFMEU state mining division secretary Geoff Dyke. Picture: Mark Stewart

• Hazelwood power plant set to close
• Power station closure to send bills soaring

UP to 150 Hazelwood power station workers have been given a lifeline as the Victorian Government unveil a $20 million transition scheme, when the plant closes in coming weeks.

Premier Daniel Andrews revealed workers will be able to transfer to other electricity generators under an agreement with Loy Yang A and Loy Yang B operated by AGL.

Early retirement packages will also be offered.

Minister for Employment and Industry Wade Noonan said the package would allow workers and their families to make a ‘’fresh start’’.

The premier also revealed an $85 million investment into sporting and community facilities in the area which is expected to create more than 500 new jobs.

The community sporting package includes:

 $46 million for a new Gippsland Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Traralgon

 $17 million to redevelop the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex in Traralgon

 $4 million to upgrade Morwell Recreation Reserve

 $1.7 million to upgrade the Latrobe Sports and Entertainment Complex in Morwell

 $3 million to upgrade the Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe

 $1.4 million for the Sale and Traralgon Tennis Centres

 $5 million for 9 local reserves to be upgraded

The announcement comes after plant owner Engie revealed the Latrobe Valley energy provider would close in after months of speculation.

The move will impact 450 employees and 300 contractors who work at the plant and the announcement has sent shockwaves around the community, with locals fearing the plant closure will devastate the region.

Hazelwood Power Plant worker Bruce McLure. Picture: Rob Leeson

Previously the Victorian Government announced a $266 million package to assist the community, which will be used to fund the latest transition scheme.

Mr Andrews said the lifeline would provide some relief for workers and their families.

“We will always stand up for the Latrobe Valley and with the worker transfer scheme for Hazelwood workers, we are doing just that.

``This is great news for jobs and for Hazelwood workers and their families,’’ Mr Andrews said.

“This scheme is about backing the Latrobe Valley’s highly skilled workforce and ensuring Hazelwood workers can continue to work in the region’s proud power generation industry.”