Federal Member for Shortland, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, and Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP, have welcomed confirmation that an agreement has been reached to continue operations at Myuna Colliery, securing around 300 direct jobs at the mine and protecting a thousand more across the broader Lake Macquarie and Hunter community.
After months of uncertainty, revised commercial arrangements between Centennial and Origin Energy will allow Myuna to continue operating under a new three-year framework while Eraring Power Station remains online.
This outcome saves the 300 jobs at the mine and provides long-term certainty for the thousands of workers in contracting firms, small businesses, transport operators and suppliers who rely on Myuna and Eraring to keep operating.
It is great to see Centennial and Origin move, negotiate in good faith and reach a practical outcome. Origin’s willingness to step up and secure this arrangement reflects the importance of major energy companies acting as responsible corporate citizens in the regions that have powered their operations for decades.
The Mining and Energy Union, along with workers, site delegates and the broader community, played a key role in keeping the pressure on and ensuring the voices of local families were heard. Their advocacy was critical to delivering this result.
Myuna was built to supply Eraring. The community made it clear that if the power station continues to operate, the mine that supports it must continue too. Today’s agreement recognises that reality and backs in local jobs.
Quotes attributable to Hon Pat Conroy MP, Federal Member for Shortland:
“This is a significant victory for the workers at Myuna and communities across Lake Macquarie. It gives them and their families the financial and job security they deserve and have been fighting for.”
“The workers who have given their blood, sweat and tears at Myuna for decades now have peace of mind. The 300 jobs at the mine, and thousands across the community, have been saved for the next three years.”
“It’s great to see Origin and Centennial leaving the table with an agreement that will benefit workers and the community."
“I would like to acknowledge the strong leadership and determination of the Mining and Energy Union throughout this fight. It shows what can be achieved when workers, business and the community stand together.”
Quotes attributable to Dan Repacholi MP, Federal Member for Hunter:
“This is a massive win for our region, 300 jobs at the mine saved and a thousand more across the broader community protected.”
“These aren’t just numbers. These are local families, apprentices, contractors and small businesses who can now breathe a sigh of relief.”
“I want to acknowledge the Mining and Energy Union and the workers who stood strong throughout this campaign. Their unity and determination made a real difference.”
“It’s also great to see Centennial and Origin come back to the table and negotiate a sensible, three-year framework that gives workers certainty."
"Origin stepping up here shows what responsible corporate citizenship looks like. Backing the community that has backed you for decades.”
“Myuna is an essential part of our regional economy. Securing these 300 jobs and protecting thousands more across the supply chain means stability for the Hunter and Lake Macquarie.”
“The Hunter has powered New South Wales for generations. Today proves that when workers, unions, businesses and community stand together, we can deliver real outcomes and protect local jobs.”