Workers at the Yallourn Power Station in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley are seeking clarity on their future as conflicting media reports about the station’s closure cause growing uncertainty.

The station, scheduled to retire in mid-2028, has long been a cornerstone of energy production in the region.

However, its impending shutdown has sparked concerns about job security and the economic health of the surrounding community.

The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) Victorian District has called on the Victorian government and EnergyAustralia to engage in transparent and constructive discussions to address these concerns.

Andy Smith, President of the MEU Victorian District, emphasised the importance of involving workers in decision-making processes to ensure fair outcomes.

“It is unacceptable for the Victorian government and EnergyAustralia to be playing games with people’s livelihoods and with the economic health of the Latrobe Valley,” Smith said.

He urged both parties to prioritise facts and consultation over media speculation.

EnergyAustralia has pledged to support Yallourn’s workforce through a $10 million “Power Your Future” program, which includes career planning, retraining opportunities, financial advice, and seed funding for small businesses.

Despite these efforts, workers remain apprehensive about transitioning into new roles in a region with limited comparable job opportunities.

While some reports highlight pathways for Yallourn employees to transition into offshore wind industries, uncertainty persists regarding how these plans will materialise.

The closure of Yallourn is part of Victoria’s broader shift toward renewable energy.

EnergyAustralia plans to replace the power station with a 350 MW utility-scale battery by 2026, aiming to firm renewable energy sources and reduce emissions by 60 per cent.

The Victorian government has also outlined strategies to transition coal workers into clean energy roles, leveraging Gippsland’s strong offshore wind resources.

As Yallourn approaches its retirement, calls for transparent dialogue grow louder.

Workers and their communities are demanding certainty about their futures while urging government and industry leaders to act responsibly during this critical transition period.

With livelihoods at stake, stakeholders must balance environmental goals with economic stability for the Latrobe Valley.