December 29, 2012

Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett (RDA WBB) has signed a memorandum of understanding with mining company GVK Hancock to investigate employment opportunities for local workers.

The MOU is a five-year agreement, formalising the working relationship between RDA WBB and GVK Hancock and establishes a framework to:

  • Investigate workforce development and site ready training solutions
  • Investigate the establishment of direct flight access from the Wide Bay Burnett to GVK projects
  • Develop and implement policies and practices that support strong connected communities and provide sustainable outcomes for families and workers.

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said this was an example of how the Wide Bay Burnett FIFO Co-ordinator Project had worked with industry to help bolster employment in the region.

“Earlier this year, the Newman Government entered into a joint funding agreement with the Federal Government for an Industry Workforce Connect coordinator program designed to maximise opportunities arising from the mining and resources industry boom,” Mr Langbroek said.

“This MOU is an example of how this program is linking employers operating in remote areas with suitable workers in high available labour areas such as the Wide Bay Burnett region.

“The Newman Government is committed to addressing skills shortages and creating maximum benefits from the resources boom for Queenslanders.

“That’s why it’s great to see RDA WBB taking this huge step forward to ensure this project is a success.”

Mr Langbroek said the State Government had committed $200,000 over two years to support Industry Workforce co-ordinators on the Gold Coast and the Wide Bay-Burnett region.

“The two new co-ordinators will help Queensland workers find and secure jobs in the State’s rapidly growing industries – especially in remote areas,” he said.

“The co-ordinators will attract, train and connect suitable workers to jobs on mining, construction and infrastructure project, including working with airlines to help workers commute to remote locations.”