Question details

The transition of our energy sector is a generational opportunity to leverage Gippsland’s strengths, harness our highly skilled workforce and build a world leading renewable energy system. This transition will be a catalyst for innovative low carbon industries as well as supporting existing businesses to decarbonise and grow.

The Victorian Government has a multi-pronged strategy to support the Latrobe Valley as it transitions away from coal fired power, accelerates renewable energy development and embraces circular economy and sustainability principles in anticipation of the closure of the Yallourn Power Station in 2028.

The Government requirement is that Victoria's coal-fired power stations provide at least 5 years notice before closing, meaning that there is time for government to respond with resources at the right time and in the right place.

Yallourn Power Station

• As part of the early closure agreement with the Victorian Government, EnergyAustralia has pledged a $10 million package to support retraining, reskilling, retirements or jobs in decommissioning the plant and rehabilitating the mine. The program is for all Yallourn employees as well as contractors to transition toward their chosen direction. This support includes a range of options including personalized career plans, training support, personalised career coaching, financial advice and planning. It also extends to small business seed funding and assistance with job applications for other opportunities. The program was launched in November 2022, six years in advance of the 2028 closure allowing employees to prepare and consider their future options. 
• EnergyAustralia is collaborating with the Victorian Government and other stakeholders to ensure an inclusive and well-coordinated approach to the transition. 

Retraining and new students

• Announced in April 2025, a Clean Energy Centre is being built at TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus supported by a $5 million government investment. The Centre will deliver world-class vocational training in clean and sustainable energy technologies, including electric vehicle servicing and maintenance, and smart grid technology and maintenance of offshore and onshore wind power energy systems. The construction of the Clean Energy Centre is anticipated to be completed in early 2026 and will open with a capacity for 200 students.

Science and Engineering Challenge (STEM)

• In June 2025, Regional Development Victoria supported the Science & Engineering Challenge in Gippsland, the first time that a nationally recognised STEM program has been brought to the region. Delivered by the University of Newcastle, the Challenge engages Year 9 and 10 students in a full day of hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities. It helps young people to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and introduces them to careers in industries vital to our region’s growth, including renewable energy, engineering and advanced manufacturing.
• The two events held in South Gippsland Shire and Wellington Shire had strong collaboration between local councils, schools, industry partners and volunteers. Hosting the Challenge locally ensures that regional students – who often face barriers to accessing enrichment programs – can participate in high-quality STEM experiences without needing to travel long distances. Two Secondary College teams are invited to represent Gippsland in the State Final in Ballarat in September 2025. These events highlight the region’s commitment to educational equity, workforce development and community collaboration.

Investment, supply chain and community benefits

• The Wooreen Energy Storage System (WESS) being developed by Energy/Australia is a 350 MW four-hour utility-scale battery at Jeeralang gas plant to be delivered by 2027. This $700 million investment represents EnergyAustralia’s largest single investment injecting substantial capital into the Latrobe Valley. The project will create approximately 80 direct construction jobs and brings with it a flow on effect into other sectors including hospitality, transport and construction industries maximising the local benefit to Latrobe Valley. Once operational, the battery will require a smaller ongoing workforce for maintenance and management, and contribute to long term employment opportunities in the Latrobe Valley.
• The Hazelwood Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a joint development of ENGIE and Eku Energy. This $150 million project is a significant investment into the Latrobe Valley. The BESS, a 150 MW and situated at the former Hazelwood power station, passed its first year of operations in 2025. The skilled operation and maintenance workforce will provide long term capability and skilled jobs in the energy sector. The project stimulated local supply chains including contractors and suppliers with significant local economic activity.
• Fulham Solar Farm commenced construction in April 2025 of its 80MW Fulham Solar Farm and 128MWh Battery project with an investment of over $300 million. The current construction phase is anticipated to create 75 to 100 direct jobs which will focus on maximising opportunities for local business, tradespeople and apprentices. The solar farm is over 160 hectares and is designed to co-exist with agricultural practices while also enabling landholders to earn lease payments for hosting solar panels.
• The Delburn Wind Farm in the Strzelecki Ranges is a joint venture between OSMI Australia and Cubico Sustainable Investments. The project involves the construction of 33 wind turbines within an existing HVP plantation. It will generate 2025 MW of energy, enough to power 135,000 homes. This project includes 186 full time roles during construction across electricians, concreters, steel fixers, civil engineers, truck drivers and a range of other trades. It also includes 24 full-time on-going roles over a 30–35-year maintenance phase. Construction is expected in 2026 and OSMI Australia has publicly committed to prioritizing local employment to benefit Gippslanders. The wind farm brings with it $106 million in increased Gross Regional Product across Latrobe, South Gippsland and Baw Baw Shire. The project has a community benefit scheme with direct payments to neighbouring homeowners and a fund of $150,000 per annum to support local, community led projects. There is also a community investment vehicle that enables locals to become investors in the project and share in company returns.

Jaclyn Symes MP

Minister for Regional Development