New General Manager for PowerWorks

PowerWorks has appointed a new General Manager, Marcus Fraser.

Mr Fraser is charged with the responsibility of overseeing PowerWorks, as it enters into perhaps the most challenging era in its 20 year history.

"As Australia moves towards a carbon-constrained future, the role of PowerWorks will be to showcase the Victorian brown coal industry and promote the significant contribution the industry makes to the state and local economy. There will be an emphasis on providing information and educational services relating to Victorian brown coal, as well as regular power station and mine tours," Mr Fraser said.

"My focus will be to have PowerWorks acting as the doorway to the Latrobe Valley power generators both for the public and local and international industry representatives, and also to act as a provider of accurate up-to-date energy industry information by way of our new website at www.powerworks.com.au."

"Visitors are encouraged to undertake a guided tour of the power stations and mines that help contribute around 85 per cent of Victoria’s electricity as part of their visit to PowerWorks, this is an experience that is unique to the Latrobe Valley," Mr Fraser said.

PowerWorks conducts power station and mine tours twice a week for the general public and other groups of eight or more by appointment. Schools and students are especially catered for, with tours tailored to study and curriculum topics of your choice. PowerWorks has an Education Officer who is available to present in-school seminars.

Mr Fraser went on to say that visitor numbers had increased for 2010, with almost 13,000 people participating in tours.

"These figures only include those who did the bus tour and does not include the people who stop to visit the Education Centre only," Mr Fraser said.

At the PowerWorks Education Centre in Morwell, you can explore interactive displays and media. Learn about clean coal technologies, where all our generators are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the many other current and potential uses for brown coal. These include bio-diesel oil, synthetic gas for gas turbines, fertiliser, briquettes, heat beads and more.

The PowerWorks building is in the process of under-going a minor facelift, with existing displays to be updated.