There are fears Portland’s Alcoa plant may be next on the chopping block following the decision to shut down Hazelwood.

Former Premier and Member for Portland, Denis Napthine, told Tom Elliott he was fearing the worst.

‘I think there are some big questions being asked, unfortunately,’ he said on 3AW Drive.

He said any decision to close the plant would have huge ramifications.

He estimated around 5500 people would leave the area if it shut.

‘It’s vital, not just for local jobs, but vital to the economy of this state,’ Mr Napthine said.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview on 3AW Drive