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.

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.

“This year’s crop is looking bigger than last year’s 30 million tonnes,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

“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.

“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

in truck and tractor driving, agricultural machinery operation and maintenance.

“This is a perfect opportunity for workers who have finished seasonal jobs elsewhere to keep earning while also exploring our beautiful part of Australia – the rainforest, waterfalls and of course the Great Barrier Reef which is just next door.”

CANEGROWERS members as business owners need to comply with all relevant workplace health and safety requirements and there are specific industry awards covering pay rates. For more information, contact your local CANEGROWERS office. •