More training and employment opportunities in areas ravaged by ex-tropical Cyclone Oswald will flow from a new $3.92 million Newman Government assistance package.
Speaking at the announcement in Bundaberg today of the Government and Industry Skilling Response package, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the response of the Government was heartening.
“When I spoke recently in Parliament, I made it clear that we need help with the rebuilding phase”, he said.
“Before the floods, unemployment in Bundaberg and the Burnett was 10 per cent compared to around 5½ per cent in the rest of the State. The tornadoes and floods that devastated our communities have doubled our unemployment.
“This package will give more local residents the chance to gain lifelong skills while working to rebuild their communities.
“It’s not only is about providing disaster relief; it’s about maximising employment opportunities for the Burnett region,” Mr Bennett said.
“Delivered in two phases, the first phase of the Skilling Response will provide $1.92 million to provide trainee subsidies for 120 people.
“Bundaberg Regional Council will be in charge of the decision-making around the numbers and types of traineeships required because they are best placed to understand the needs of the communities.
“The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) will manage the project for 12 months, working with councils across the state to secure trainees that support local needs.”
Mr Bennett said that as part of the $2 million second phase, Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) would organise training to assist in the Burnett region’s recovery plans.
“CSQ will fund multiple programs to train local residents for immediate clean-up work, as well as longer-term rebuilding projects like parks, sporting clubs and other community facilities,” he said.
“The Response will also provide increased incentives to businesses to re-employ locals as building and construction apprentices, and provide pre-employment training to provide a pool of ready-to-work participants”, he said.
CSQ CEO Brett Schimming said the priority was to enable the local Registered Training Organisations to provide more training where it was needed, assist employers in hiring more staff to get the job done and help local people access the work quickly.
“The Bundaberg and North Burnett region has the people and motivation to rebuild this area.
“We are providing the funding to ensure they have the skills and opportunity to do so.”