Spotlight on: Moe
Moe is a town in the Latrobe and Gippsland region of Victoria, about 135 km from Melbourne. Originally a small rural town, Moe grew rapidly through the 20th century as brown coal mining and power generation transformed the region.
As Australia transitions to net zero by 2050, coal-fired power stations will gradually close, including Yallourn Power Station, which is scheduled to close in 2028. Moe, located in the Latrobe region between Trafalgar and Morwell, is about 6 kilometres from the Yallourn Power Station, where some of Moe’s residents are employed.
The NZEA has concluded a public consultation process to assess whether the Energy Industry Jobs Plan is required to support workers impacted by the closure. Published submissions can be found on our consultation hub.
Moe’s history
The discovery and development of brown coal in the Latrobe Valley transformed Moe in the 20th century.
Moe was settled in 1856. However, it wasn’t until after World War II the town grew rapidly. Labour was needed for the coal mines and electricity generation industries at nearby Yallourn and Morwell.
As housing land reached capacity in Yallourn from 1947 to the mid-1950s, the Housing Commission built 1,500 homes in Moe for workers and their families. By 1955, the population had risen to 13,500 and in 1963 Moe was declared a city.
As it grew, the city attracted secondary industries such as textile and clothing mills, manufacturing of concrete pipes, furniture and aerated waters and processing of dairy products. Families moved for stable work opportunities and new communities formed around the power stations and mines.
Through decades of expansion, Moe played a vital role in powering Victoria’s homes, heavy industries and economic growth.
Today, Moe is known for its creative flair and has been branded ‘Latrobe’s Mural City’. Across Moe and neighbouring Newborough, more than 40 colourful murals line the streets, ranging from bold abstract designs to detailed animal artworks.
As the Latrobe and broader Gippsland region undergoes a significant transition from its coal-dependent past toward a future focused on renewable energy. The NZEA is committed to supporting the region throughout the transition.