Council welcomes postponement of Eraring closure

Image Source: Environment & Heritage - NSW Government

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser has welcomed the announcement that the closure of Eraring has been postponed until August 2027.

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Cr Fraser said Council stands ready to work with the NSW Government and Origin Energy to ensure a smooth transition for the Lake Macquarie community, Eraring workers and the many businesses and individuals who rely directly and indirectly on the power station for their livelihood.

“The postponement allows critical time to prepare for the plant’s closure but I urge both state and federal governments to move quickly to ensure retraining pathways are in place for workers and to progress plans for the transition to renewable energy,” Cr Fraser said.

“Governments were too slow to react to the initial closure date of 2025, as evidenced by this week’s statement by the Australian Energy Market Operator warning of widespread blackouts if Eraring was to go offline next year.

“Lake Macquarie is well-positioned to be a stronghold in the new energy economy, with our skilled workforce and energy infrastructure assets, and we want to collaborate with government on industry attraction and workforce training that will leave our city economically and socially stronger.”