The new Qld Government seems to think environmental management is getting jobseekers to plant trees. Jobseekers are also being trained to use chainsaws, This will help jobseekers get a job with Brisbane City Council - cutting down trees.
The new Qld LNP Government have picked up the former Qld ALP Government's Green Army program to provide 3000 jobs to help get the economy growing again. As part of the Qld Government's response to the global downturn participants have been put to work on projects to enhance natural assets, strengthen the tourism industry and promote increased environmental awareness.
Jobseekers have been employed on environmental projects along local waterways since early this year, with funding through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the participants ranged in age from school leavers who were having difficulties breaking into the workforce through to mature-aged people looking for new skills to help them meet the needs of local employers.
"The common theme was that these people all wanted jobs and were prepared to tackle projects that would give them appropriate skills for the current market,” Mr Langbroek said.
“The projects they’ve been involved in are part of a larger initiative across the Sunshine Coast that has seen a collaboration of the State and Federal governments, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Maroochy Landcare and SEQ Catchments.
“Skilling Queenslanders for Work provided more than $860,000 funding to four of the local network of Landcare organisations across the Sunshine Coast to help a total of 44 jobseekers earn an income while learning new skills.
“Through this project the participants gain skills in horticulture, conservation, water and land management which equip them for a range of jobs with an environmental focus.
“But, importantly, the experience also enables them to acquire skills in communication, teamwork, problem solving, planning and time management which are highly desired skills for a broader range of job opportunities.”
The organisations funded through Skilling Queenslanders for Work for this project were Noosa and District Landcare Group, Barung Landcare Association, Mooloolah River Waterwatch and Landcare Inc and Maroochy Waterwatch Inc.
Small groups of three to four have worked with each organisation on projects that focussed on either Kin Kin Creek and its tributaries, the eastern slopes of the Blackall Range that delivers to the Mooloolah River, the Upper Mooloolah River and its tributaries or the Maroochy River and its tributaries.
“The accredited training component of the project includes a chainsaw operations certificate, Construction White Card and First Aid,” Mr Langbroek said.
“The project has already led to two of tomorrow’s graduating group gaining new jobs and some others are awaiting the outcomes of applications or interviews.
“They will all be supported in coming months to help them move into sustainable employment.”
The organisations will take on final small groups for the project in coming weeks. Anyone interested in participating should contact the organisations for further information.
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