WORKFORCE BOOST FOR WIDE BAY FOREST AND TIMBER INDUSTRY
(L-R) Scott Hill, Baywood; Jimmy Chand, Baywood.
Image: Timber Queensland
The Wide Bay region is set to benefit from a new workforce development plan aimed at supporting the future skills needs of the forest and timber industry.
Jobs Queensland has partnered with Timber Queensland and local industry stakeholders to develop the Wide Bay Forest and Timber Industry Workforce Development Plan, to help address local workforce challenges and support those in the industry to live and work locally.
Thirty-seven actions across four key themes undertaken in an industry-led approach will guide the Wide Bay region’s forest and timber industry towards its future state.
The four key themes of the Wide Bay Forest and Timber Industry Workforce Development Plan aim to:
- improve industry awareness and attraction
- grow a healthy training system
- build business capability
- develop diversity in people and products.
“The forest and timber industry is important to this region’s economy, and it’s been so wonderful to see that industry has partnered with Jobs Queensland to plant the seeds now for its future workforce,” said Bruce Saunders MP, Member for Maryborough.
“Supporting the local industry in this way could not have come at a better time and hearing about how the industry themselves have driven this project for over a year now is a testament to their future focus even during times of disruption and change”.
“The forest and timber industry contributes to a comprehensive ecosystem involving many other industries, from nurseries to research entities through to construction companies.
“Changes in one sector can significantly impact on others.
“Jobs Queensland’s research highlighted that less than half of those in the industry hold a related qualification, which represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
“The Queensland Government and Jobs Queensland have a shared vision of good jobs for all Queenslanders and a skilled workforce for Queensland.
“I thank Jobs Queensland for delivering the Wide Bay Forest and Timber Industry Workforce Development Plan to address local workforce challenges and highlight that Wide Bay offers good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle.”
Jim Varghese AM, Jobs Queensland Board Chair said Jobs Queensland’s Anticipating Future Skills data suggests that the Wide Bay region is projected to experience the fastest increase in employment in Queensland
“Agriculture, forestry and fishing is the largest employing industry in three of the five local government areas in Wide Bay, so this workforce plan is important for the region to continue to thrive.”
“Our research reveals that community connection is a strong motivator to staying in the region.
“By harnessing the voice of local stakeholders, this plan will equip the region to meet workforce challenges and provide locals with access to meaningful work.”
Chief Executive Officer, Timber Queensland Mick Stephens said “It has been very encouraging to see the industry pull together to drive the development of this plan.
“It represents the most comprehensive deep dive into this industry for this region so far and will form part of a solid strategy to build resilience in our industry.
“Now the real work begins as industry and other stakeholders take steps to carry out each one of the identified actions in the plan – which will take ongoing effort.”
“However, with the growth of the bioeconomy and housing demand creating new and expanding markets for wood products, new jobs and roles are emerging and we need to be prepared for that. This plan will help the local industry have the skills and workforce to deliver.”
MAIN PIC: Wide Bay Forest and Timber Industry Workforce Development Plan launch, held at Baywood’s Maryborough head office: (L-R) Amanda McLoughlin, DTM; Curly Tatnell, DTM; Mick Stephens, Timber Queensland; Bruce Saunders, MP; Michael Dart, Jobs Queensland Board; Kylie Newey, Jobs Queensland; Nigel Pederson, Baywood; Kerry Fullarton, South & Central Queensland forestry hub; Jimmy Chand, Baywood; Daniel Pfrunder, HQPlantations; Andie Josey, Jobs Queensland. Image: Timber Queensland
