Calling all ag workers
Campaign to attract harvest workers to Queensland gathers momentum CANEGROWERS’ campaign to boost the sugarcane industry workforce ahead of this year’s harvest is paying dividends, with dozens of local and interstate jobseekers putting their hands up for positions in the industry. The online and social media campaign, launched in April, is particularly focused on luring agricultural workers, recent retirees and people with appropriate experience from interstate to Queensland with the promise of employment and some winter sunshine.
“But we are facing a challenge across the industry to put crews in the machinery and vehicles needed to cut the cane and take it to the sugar mills. “The industry has a fleet of around 700 harvesters and each needs a crew of at least three – one harvester driver and two operators of haulout vehicles,” Mr Galligan said.
Growers have become increasingly concerned about the shortage of workers in recent years, with 96% of CANEGROWERS members who responded to a recent poll saying that last season they, or their contractors, had experienced disruptions to farming operations because of a lack of workers.
“These jobs are rewarding, and the communities and locations are dynamic. Sugarcane grows in some very iconic landscapes, and we are inviting skilled workers to share our piece of paradise. “State borders are no longer an impediment, and we know that our harvest period coincides with a quieter time for some other industries, freeing up workers with experience and skills
“This year’s crop is looking bigger than last year’s 30 million tonnes,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
Advertisement
Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority
Grow your sugarcane business with QRIDA QRIDA is ready to help you grow your sugarcane farming business through our range of low interest loans, including*: •
Sustainability Loans of up to $1.3 million to help primary producers tap into new and emerging on-farm technologies, improve irrigation systems or purchase or upgrade plant and machinery
•
First Start Loans of up to $2 million to help new and next generation primary producers purchase their first primary production enterprise, including from family members.
For more information, or to speak to your local Regional Area Manager, contact us today on 1800 623 946 or visit qrida.qld.gov.au *The information contained herein is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon this information as a basis for making any business, legal or any other decisions.
1800 623 946 qrida.qld.gov.au
/QRIDAmedia
@we.are.qrida
/QRIDAmedia
/company/QRIDA
Authorised by the Queensland Government, Turbot St, Brisbane
16
