Griffin Coal State Agreement extension brings certainty for workers and energy transition.

The Mining and Energy Union has welcomed today’s announcement by the Western Australian Government extending arrangements for Griffin Coal, saying it delivers long-overdue certainty for coal workers and their families in the Collie region while supporting energy security during the transition.

The extension of Griffin Coal’s State Agreement by up to five years, along with new commercial arrangements with customers, will allow the Ewington Mine to continue operating and supplying coal, providing stability for the workforce as Western Australia transitions its energy system.

MEU WA District President Greg Busson said the announcement addressed the uncertainty workers have been living with as existing funding arrangements near their end.

“With the current funding arrangements coming to an end, the Government’s commitment to extend support for a further five years is a practical and responsible intervention that will keep people in jobs and give workers and the Collie community the certainty they need during the transition,” Mr Busson said.

“Importantly, this extension comes alongside a significant reduction in the level of subsidy required from taxpayers, while still bridging the gap in a way that keeps the lights on and workers in jobs as the transition continues.

“That five-year commitment gives everyone the clarity they need to plan for an orderly and just transition, rather than facing ongoing uncertainty year to year.”

Mr Busson said the establishment of the Collie Basin Consolidation Taskforce was a further recognition that managing the transition of coal assets required coordination, realism and worker involvement.

“This is a hands-on and realistic approach to transition, and it puts the workers and communities who have kept the lights on for generations, and their wellbeing, right where they belong — at the heart of the plan.”