Torrens Island Power Station Closure: An Opportunity for South Australian Businesses

South Australian Business News  •  Policy
Thursday, January 23rd 2025
Torrens Island

Author — Cathi Buttfield, Senior Policy Adviser

The upcoming closure of the Torrens Island Power Station in June 2026 presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses in South Australia.

The Australian Government’s Energy Industry Jobs Plan aims to support workers affected by this transition. The closure also impacts the broader business community, which has a unique opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the evolving energy landscape.

The Net Zero Economy Authority is currently undertaking a consultation process to assess whether the Plan needs to be implemented for the Torrens Island closure. South Australian businesses are encouraged to participate to ensure their voices are heard and the transition process is as smooth as possible.

The consultation includes discussion questions designed to gather information on how the closure will impact businesses, the potential for re-employing workers from the power station, and what support employers might need. 

The Plan offers various supports for workers, such as training, career planning, and financial advice, to help them transition to new jobs. Employers who take on workers from closing facilities may also be eligible for incentive payments from the Australian Government.

Workers at the power station have skills in various areas, such as power plant operation, metal fabrication, electrical work, engineering, administration, and project management, and the Plan aims to connect workers with new employment opportunities in South Australia.

The proposed geographic area for the Plan includes Adelaide City and surrounding suburbs, such as Burnside, Campbelltown, and Salisbury. Businesses within this area have a unique opportunity to engage with a pool of skilled workers looking for new employment.

The consultation seeks feedback on whether the current geographic area will support local labour market analysis for the Torrens workers.

The South Australian Business Chamber Policy Team are keen to connect with any businesses that may have input to the consultation process. We have been engaging with the Net Zero Economy Authority and will be meeting in-person with representatives in early February.

The Authority has expressed an interest in connecting with SA businesses directly. If you would like to discuss the plan or meet with the Authority please contact Cathi Buttfield, Senior Policy Adviser, cathi.​buttfield@​sabusinesschamber.​com.​au.

We also encourage businesses who may be impacted by the closure or may be interested in taking on workers once the station closes to engage in this consultation process by making a submission.

Your insights are valuable and will contribute to ensuring a smooth transition for workers, while potentially filling a skills or labour gap in your business. 

The consultation is open until 21 February 2025. For more information and to make a submission directly visit the Net Zero Economy Authority website or email EIJP@​pmc.​gov.​au.

Recent Articles
Article 3 electrical worker 1200x850
12 Feb 2025
Southern Adelaide electrical company has been fined $300,000 after a worker died when he became trapped in a pit
Flexi work arrangement
6 Feb 2025
Flexible Work Arrangements – Need some support dealing with this in the workplace?
Sobia
6 Feb 2025
SA Local Hero Sobia Hashmi to join 2025 International Women's Day Luncheon panel
SOBE
6 Feb 2025
How are businesses really doing in South Australia?
Rising energy
6 Feb 2025
As businesses continue to battle rising energy costs, are our energy targets realistic?
Skilled refugee webinar
6 Feb 2025
Is your business facing ongoing skills shortages?