Senate Select Committee on Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas
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SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON JOBS FOR THE FUTURE IN REGIONAL AREAS Response is applicable to the Central Highlands Queensland Region. Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) actively partner with industry experts, businesses, government and communities to drive growth, enable innovation, build capability and deliver economic outcomes. CHDC is a not for profit organisation and the lead economic and tourism development agency for the Central Highlands region of Queensland, Australia. Our region includes the communities of Arcadia Valley, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, Comet, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, Rolleston, Sapphire Gemfields, Springsure and Tieri. Underpinned by robust and innovative industries including resources, mining, agriculture, tourism, small business and start-ups, we advocate for sustainable regional and economic growth by enhancing our workforces, promoting our region and supporting our businesses. Over 20 years, our rich understanding of the local industry has allowed us to deliver economic insights and strategic action plans for the region. In turn, this has contributed to building strong, capable businesses and industries that are supply-chain ready and optimised for expansion. TERMS OF REFERENCE Inquiry into Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas The committee will inquire and report on the following matters: a. new industries and employment opportunities that can be created in the regions; Ag Tech, Niche Beef Processing, Mine rehabilitation, Automation of open cut and under-ground machine operations, Supply chain companies for Agriculture and Resources and Technology service support industry. b. the number of existing jobs in regional areas in clean energy technology and ecological services and their future significance; Limited roles (Under 50 positions) in ongoing solar energy past construction and ecological service companies. Emerging roles (Greater than 500) in Natural Gas construction and production, Mine Rehabilitation, Bio-Waste Technology, Green Waster Energy, Bio Gas and Solar combination energy industry. c. lessons learned from structural adjustments in the automotive, manufacturing and forestry industries and energy privatisation and their impact on labour markets and local economies; Downturn in the resources until recently has had a large effect on the local region economy as demonstrated in the loss of several retail, resources support companies and impact on rental market. Loss of qualified personnel is also reflected in losing support for schools and public provided services along with reduction community arranged social and sporting activities. Unexpected impacts: lack of childcare limiting skills and workforce for rostered position outside normal working hours. Sustainability and diversification along with smarter workplace agreements including maintaining a reasonable salary and incentive to maintain a skilled workplace. This will drive attraction and retention of a local workforce. Resources sectors drawing workers from Agricultural and Agribusiness sectors Employer outcomes and not job creations should be the driver and targets to measure effects and outcomes including job security. d. the importance of long-term planning to support the diversification of supply chain industries and local economies; Considerations for green choice energy currently underway. Collaboration of planning by local and regional government bodies to support sustainability along with confidential industry input to drive infrastructure and investment. Growing and maintaining regional infrastructure. Promoting regional liveability e. measures to guide the transition into new industries and employment, including: i. community infrastructure to attract investment and job creation; Collaborative approach with stakeholders, including existing Community Reference Group, Central Highlands Economic Master Plan, Tourism Action Plan and the Community Action Plan 2022. ii. the need for a public authority to manage the transition; Local collaboration with local government and regional stakeholders to support a strategic framework to address liveability and attraction of a skilled workforce. State and Federal Government decentralisation. iii. meaningful community consultation to guide the transition; and Current collaborative approach with stakeholders, including existing Community Reference Groups, Tourism Action Plan, Central Queensland University Engagement Committee, Central Highlands VET Network, Local Buy Foundation and CHDC Business Facilitation support. iv. the role of vocational education providers, including TAFE, in enabling reskilling and retraining; Projects including the Bridging the Skills Gap in partnership with Central Highlands Development Corporation and Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. Central Queensland University Engagement Committee, Central Highlands VET Network currently provide information on currently industry needs and emerging skills to be delivered. f. the use of renewable resources in Northern Australia to build a clean energy export industry to export into Asia; and Cleaner energy through coal produced within the Bowen Basin which is significant low emission for both thermal and metrological use. Emerging Coal Seam Gas industry with region for export and domestic use. Supports the manufacturing of renewal infrastructure including Solar Farms and Panels and Steel required for Wind Turbine. g. any related matters. Increasing transfer of infrastructure development and maintenance from State and Federal Government to local government significantly impacting on council budgets and future planning..