Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) will receive $3 million funding over three years to deliver a new Rural and Remote Capacity Building Project.
The Rural and Remote Capacity Building Project will provide targeted training for staff at 24 councils identified by the LGAQ, to boost employees' skills, meet local needs and retain workers in their communities.
The training will also be extended to small businesses or organisations providing support to Councils, and include accredited training, tickets, part qualifications, non-accredited training, and micro-credentials.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer
"A key action under the Palaszczuk Government's Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032 is to partner with rural and remote communities to deliver local skills and job creation initiatives to increase workforce capacity in these locations.
"Our partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland is helping to deliver this. Government is working with the LGAQ on initiatives that look to the individual needs of the state's 77 councils.
"LGAQ manages the annual bidding process for our First Start program that provides funding to local councils and not-for-profit community-based organisations to employ additional trainees and apprentices under our Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
"LGAQ also assists with the final allocation of traineeship and apprenticeship places across councils, manages the communication and marketing strategies for First Start and acts as the central reporting agency for the councils.
"We are committed to working in partnership with LGAQ to ensure local councils continue to deliver employment outcomes under the First Start program that benefit their communities.
"The Rural and Remote Capacity Building Project is further proof of that. It recognises councils as major employers in regional and remote areas.
"Our workforce strategy is delivering for trainees and apprentices in the regions.
"We increased travel and accommodation subsidies available to apprentices and trainees. This, along with our Fee Free TAFE, helps reduce potential cost barrier to VET participation.
"Looking to the future our $4 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan supports up to 100,000 jobs. The majority of these jobs will be in regional Queensland."
Quotes attributable to Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive officer Alison Smith
"We welcome the opportunity to deliver the project in partnership with the Queensland Government.
"Rural and remote councils are often the biggest employers in their regions so it is great to have this funding to provide high-quality training which will contribute to the liveability of these communities.
"We know that in remote regions, acquiring skills and accreditations can be a challenge – and councils are keen to partner on ways to create place-based solutions and 'growing' local workforces.
"This program will provide a wonderful opportunity to rural and remote Queensland community workforces, which should never be disadvantaged by their postcode.
"The Rural and Remote Capacity Building Project will build on the success of the long-standing LGAQ Indigenous Capacity Building Project which supplies training support to the 17 First Nation councils in Queensland."
Quotes attributable to is Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM.
"We thank Minister Farmer for today's announcement of investment in council related training including apprenticeships and traineeships, which support pathways into the local government industry.
"Like most councils, we are one of the biggest employers in our local region and it's essential we lead the way in providing jobs for a sustainable workforce for the future.
"A job within local government can provide skill sets that lead to a long and rewarding career."
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
Rural and Remote Capacity Building Project Councils:
- Balonne Shire Council
- Banana Shire Council
- Barcoo Shire Council
- Barcaldine Regional Council
- Blackall-Tambo Regional Council
- Boulia Shire Council
- Bulloo Shire Council
- Charters Towers Regional Council
- Cloncurry Shire Council
- Diamantina Shire Council
- Etheridge Shire Council
- Flinders Shire Council
- Goondiwindi Regional Council
- Longreach Regional Council
- Mareeba Shire Council
- McKinlay Shire Council
- Murweh Shire Council
- North Burnett Regional Council
- Quilpie Shire Council
- Richmond Shire Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
- Southern Downs Regional Council
- Tablelands Regional Council and
- Winton Shire Council.
