Cairns and Far North Queensland are set to benefit from a new Queensland Government workforce plan, crafted to meet the demand for skilled workers in two pivotal growth sectors—aviation, and maritime and marine.
Developed in collaboration with local industry stakeholders, the Cairns Region Workforce Development Plan, facilitated by Jobs Queensland, delineates 37 actions aimed at addressing local skills and workforce requirements, while also fostering an environment conducive to attracting and retaining talent in the Cairns region.
“Our aviation, maritime, and marine industries are an essential lifeblood of our local economy so it’s fantastic to see stakeholders and local industries working hand in hand to secure a brighter future for our local workforce,” remarked Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Healy.
The plan encompasses five themes, including strategies to address future skills shortages, bolster attraction and retention, streamline training system management, enhance business capability, and foster cross-sector work mobility.
“Cairns is more than just a tourist hotspot; it’s a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families so this plan is all about making sure locals can get good sustainable jobs without having to leave paradise,” asserted Minister Healy.
Echoing Minister Healy’s sentiment, Minister for Employment and Small Business Lance McCallum affirmed the government’s commitment to catalysing economic prosperity.
“The Miles Labor government is all about creating good jobs for everyday Queenslanders– our vision for Cairns and FNQ is clear; skilled workers, thriving industries, and a prosperous future for everyone,” he declared.
In a region where connectivity serves as a linchpin for social cohesion, the plan leverages insights gleaned from local stakeholders to ensure alignment with community aspirations.
“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,” shared Jobs Queensland Board Chair Jim Varghese AM.
Chris Pigott, Business Manager at Cairns Aviation Skills Centre, Aviation Australia, underscored the significance of collaborative initiatives in shaping Cairns’ workforce landscape.
“This workforce plan will be game changing for us – we now have clear industry-endorsed actions and will partner with government to address some long-standing issues.”
