In a devastating blow to the Hunter Valley community, AGL Energy has confirmed it will slash hundreds of positions from its Bayswater Power Station workforce in the lead-up to Christmas.
The energy giant announced on Tuesday that approximately 120 permanent roles would be eliminated, along with around 150 contractor positions, representing a significant reduction in the station's workforce.
Restructuring Hits Hard Before Holidays
The timing of the announcement has drawn criticism from unions and workers alike, coming just weeks before the Christmas period. AGL management stated the cuts are part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at creating a "more sustainable and streamlined organisation."
Bayswater Power Station, located near Muswellbrook in New South Wales, has long been one of the region's major employers and a cornerstone of the state's energy infrastructure.
Transition to Renewable Energy Accelerates
The job losses reflect the accelerating transition away from coal-fired power generation across Australia's energy sector. AGL has been progressively moving toward renewable energy sources, with Bayswater's four units scheduled for retirement between 2030 and 2035.
An AGL spokesperson emphasised that the company remains committed to supporting affected employees through the transition period, though specific support measures were not detailed in the initial announcement.
Community Impact and Union Response
Local community leaders have expressed deep concern about the economic ripple effects of such significant job losses in the region. The Hunter Valley has already experienced multiple rounds of energy sector redundancies in recent years.
Union representatives have vowed to fight the scale and timing of the cuts, describing the pre-Christmas announcement as "heartless" and demanding better transition arrangements for workers facing unemployment.
The full impact on the Hunter Valley economy and the timeline for implementing the job cuts are expected to become clearer in the coming weeks as consultation with workers and unions continues.
