September 19, 2013
The State Government has appointed five new workforce development officers across regional Queensland as part of a program which aims to improve horticulture workplace practices and boost production.
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said today the appointment of the new officers was part of a three-year plan recently finalised in co-ordination with industry, the “Queensland Production Horticulture Workforce Development Plan 2013-15”.
“We have committed $1.2 million in funding for the industry-driven plan and its implementation,” Mr McVeigh said.
“There will be four new Regional Workforce Development Officers (RWDO) placed within industry organisations in high-priority growing regions.
“The fifth position will be a state wide Workforce Development Co-ordinator (SWDC) to be based with Growcom.”
The four regions and industry bodies are:
- Wide Bay Burnett (Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers)
- Bowen (Bowen Gumlu Growers)
- Far North Queensland (Mareeba District Fruit & Vegetable Growers)
- South-East Queensland (Growcom Toowoomba).
Mr McVeigh said the new officers would be addressing specific issues for horticulture, including the challenge of attracting new employees, keeping existing workers, managing seasonal workforces and enhancing human resource practices in production businesses.
“The five officers will form the core of an Industry Education and Training Network,” he said.
“The network will allow industry and government to identify barriers to industry participation in higher education and training and take action to help the sector optimise and maintain an efficient, available workforce.
“This will allow us to achieve greater engagement with training and employment service organisations and to improve delivery to industry.
“The five new officers are currently being appointed and will take up their duties in their respective areas very soon.
“This program supports our goal of doubling agricultural production by 2040.”
