We have put together a media background document that covers a wide range of issues related to Hazelwood's closure.
Hazelwood power station in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley is closing next week, after half a century of operation. This will be the largest coal-burning power station to have closed in Australia, and it will have effects on the local community, climate pollution, the energy market and more.
Environment Victoria has been deeply involved in discussions about Hazelwood’s future for over a decade. To assist with any coverage you might be planning, we have put together a media background document that covers a wide range of issues related to Hazelwood’s closure.
Download the full Hazelwood closure media backgrounder (PDF)
Despite the short notice between the announcement and closure of Hazelwood, there are some positive signs emerging as the transition away from coal continues.
An unprecedented worker redeployment scheme was recently negotiated with AGL’s Loy Yang A power station, hundreds of current Hazelwood workers are being kept on for mine rehabilitation, and there will be new jobs in the region due to the power station decommissioning and state government investment in new industries.
The timing of the closure is also interesting – a Senate inquiry into the retirement of coal-fired power stations is due to report on 29 March, the same day Hazelwood’s last unit stops generating electricity.
Mark Wakeham, Environment Victoria CEO
Office: (03) 9341 8127 Mobile: 0439 700 501
m.wakeham@environmentvictoria.org.au