OVER 80 workers will lose their jobs when Alcoa officially closes its Anglesea coal mine and power station today.
Power station manager Warren Sharp paid tribute to the employees at “a very sad time for them and their families”.
“For 46 years this has been a very well-run and well-maintained facility,” Mr Sharp said.
“Its success as a reliable power generator is the culmination of the hard work and determination of every employee, every contractor, every supplier, every partner, and every community member who has supported us and advocated for us over that journey.
“I certainly could not be more proud of the contribution our employees have made to our company and to the Anglesea community. I’m especially proud of the way they have safely gone about their work over the past three months, despite it being a very challenging time for them and their families.”
The Anglesea facility became redundant after Alcoa closed its Pt Henry aluminium processing operations and was unable to find a buyer for the power station. Local activists had campaigned for the closure, claiming the coal-fired station was a health risk.
State Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the loss of the jobs would be “strongly felt”.
The workers and their families would be “front of mind” during “this time of transition”, she said.
Alcoa said its asset planning and management group would take over the site tomorrow for decommissioning and rehabilitation, which could cost up to $63 million.
A work plan detailing the clean-up process is available on Alcoa’s website.
Environment Victoria has called the plan “encouraging”.
