Union calls for review into power station’s decommissioning
The Electrical Trades Union has called on the Northern Territory Government to immediately withdraw their proposal to close the Ron Goodin Power Station and properly consult with Unions on the facility’s decommissioning.
Territory Generation have announced the Alice Springs Power Station will transition to a Standby Station from December this year, with the station to be decommissioned from July 2018 as the region relies on the new Owen Springs station.
The ETU has warned the government the decision to reduce staff by 66 per cent at the Ron Goodin station would lead to increased power outages in the region and safety issues for workers forced to operate single person 66,000 volts switching.
ETU Queensland and NT Organiser David Hayes said the decision was an attack on ETU Members’ safety and livelihoods.
“This will mean two thirds of the workforce will no longer be able to support their families, as there are simply no jobs in Alice Springs for these people to go to,” Mr Hayes said.
“The Gunner Government needs to step in and support the local workers who worked tirelessly to help elect Labor at the last election.”
ETU Queensland and NT Organiser David Hayes called for the government to withdraw the proposal for the power station’s closure and conduct an immediate review of the impact of the decision on the region.
“There needs to be an independent review into the closure of Ron Goodin power station, as we believe its decommissioning is premature and will lead to more power outages in the region – as we saw in January last year,” he said.
“The workforce or the ETU have not been properly consulted on this decision. We will be commencing legal action to ensure this consultation occurs.”
Territory Generation have proposed cutting staff numbers to single person, shift operations, despite assuring staff prior to the decision that their jobs would be safe.
“These changes will lead to increased power outages and safety issues as Territory Generation are proposing 66,000 volts, single person switching,” he said.
Further information please contact: David Hayes 0419 721 042 or Dan Nancarrow 0448 633 858