2022-02-17
Australia's largest coal-fired power plant, the largest single source of carbon emissions in the country, will shut seven years early by 2025. This is a huge win for the climate but this win for climate must also be a win for workers and for the region.
The Greens are calling for state and federal governments to join together and support Eraring’s workers with training and ongoing income support after the power station closes. Today’s announcement by Origin Energy proves that coal’s future is very limited and we need to start now to map out a fully funded plan to transition coal industry workers into new jobs and new industries.
Greens MP and Energy Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
“This is a huge win for the climate, now we need to make sure it’s also a win for workers, the region and the economy.
“State and federal governments must urgently support the transition to 100% renewables and deliver investment in new jobs and new industries for Eraring’s workers.
“We need to work with unions, workers and regional coal and gas communities to ensure no one is left behind due to the negligence and short-sightedness of governments who refuse to see the writing on the wall for coal.
“Origin Energy’s announcement proves that coal has no future and we need to start now to map out a fully funded plan to transition coal industry workers into new jobs and new industries.
“In 2020 the NSW Parliament stepped up and created the Hunter Central Coast renewable energy zone and this is a great framework from which to build the industries and jobs of the future.
“What is missing is any serious engagement or investment from the Federal Coalition government,” Mr Shoebridge said.
Greens MP and Spokesperson for Mining and Coal Abigail Boyd said:
“There is significant risk that as companies exit from the business of coal-fired power, they leave communities with the clean-up costs of their operations.
“The Greens are calling on the Government to urgently implement the recommendations of our inquiry into coal ash dams.
“We need to clean up these toxic sites to prevent ongoing damage to the environment and people’s health - we simply can’t allow these companies to shirk responsibility for cleaning up their own mess,” Ms Boyd said.