Mackay Regional Council has developed a new tool for businesses to use to help combat the regional skills shortage.
The Workforce Attraction Toolkit, which was developed in partnership with major industry associations, is a free, comprehensive resource to support employers in addressing their workforce needs.
Mayor, Greg Williamson said Mackay was a thriving region with a strong and diverse workforce of more than 67,350 people and an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.4% at the end of 2024.
“As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, attracting and retaining talent remains a challenge for local businesses,” Mayor Williamson said.
“This comprehensive resource is designed to help businesses effectively promote Mackay as a desirable place to live, work, invest and explore.
“It provides a range of helpful tips, resources and digital assets designed to help businesses and recruiters attract employees, especially from out of region.
“And why wouldn’t you want to come to our region – we have stunning beaches, a vibrant community, short commutes, excellent schools and affordable cost of living!”
Queensland Minister for Manufacturing, Dale Last said the initiative will receive in-kind support from the Queensland Government’s Manufacturing Hub in Mackay.
“Queensland is home to the world’s best coal and mineral reserves, but to get it out of the ground, we need skilled workers in local manufacturing as part of the vital supply chains to the resources sector,” Minister Last said.
“That means making sure regions like Mackay can attract the right people to service mining equipment and build the machinery needed for our local industries,” he said.
Queensland Manufacturing Hub Mackay Manager, Deb Allan said it had been fantastic to see the Queensland Manufacturing Hub Mackay, Resource Industry Network (RIN) and Council join forces to tackle one of the region’s biggest challenges.
“The Workforce Attraction Toolkit, which is focused on all businesses, is being released in conjunction with a suite of free downloadable resources focused on the manufacturing sector,” Ms Allan said.
“The recruitment resources include high-impact marketing collateral – including social media tiles, images and videos – that manufacturers can use in their ongoing recruitment efforts.
“These will be hosted on the Mackay Region Jobs website and will aim to increase awareness of Mackay’s career and lifestyle benefits among skilled workers, tradespeople and their networks.
Ms Allan said the resources were part of a strategy that would also see a targeted national marketing campaign promoting manufacturing jobs in Mackay across both metro and regional areas.
“A marketing campaign has been developed, and we are ready to launch,” she said.
“If you are a manufacturer and want to know more, get in touch with the Mackay Manufacturing Hub, located at the Resources Centre of Excellence in Paget.”
RIN General Manager, Dean Kirkwood said the region was at a crossroads when it came to labour shortages and a lack of skilled workers.
“The position we find ourselves in has the ability to cause a ripple effect across many facets of mining, as well as other industries,” Mr Kirkwood said.
“The Mackay region is home to an incredibly diverse range of industries with countless exciting career opportunities,” he said.
“On top of that, it is an amazing place to live.
“The team at RIN have been excited to work with council on the Workforce Attraction Toolkit and will be promoting it at every opportunity to companies looking to attract workers.
“The RIN team also encourages those in manufacturing to get involved in the Manufacturing Marketing Campaign when it takes off.
“Employers and recruiters need to use every resource at their disposal in this competitive job market, and this toolkit is an excellent resource that helps us stand out from other regions.”
Download the toolkit at www.mackayregionjobs.com.au.
