Officers of the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) are getting ready to help connect primary producers with workers during a busy winter harvest season ahead.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said QAWN officers helped producers properly plan workforce recruitment and training to meet seasonal demands.
The network is designed to help agribusinesses of all sizes attract, train, and retain workers.
“Since 2016 the QAWN and the Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance (RSJA) have assisted agribusinesses on more than 23,000 occasions, leading to more than 12,000 good jobs supported and 8,000 training and education outcomes,” Mr Furner said.
“QAWN officers are funded by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and hosted by industry and economic bodies throughout the State. They deliver a free service to agribusinesses with operations in Queensland, regardless of commodity or organisation membership.”
He said the Government had protected the agriculture sector through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — “and we are standing by them now”.
“We know how important it is for primary producers to create certainty around their labour needs,” the Minister said.
“We have partnered closely with industry to make sure these programs are fit for purpose and delivered in a timely fashion. With the right workforce in place I hope our farmers will enjoy another bumper season.”
