 |
Media Releases My electorate office distributes information which is important to the Southport electorate in particular, and the Gold Coast in general. This information goes to the print and electronic media, however due to space or time constraints it doesn’t always get printed or broadcast. Through my website however, you can access all news stories which emanate from my office and thus keep up-to-date with State Government issues relating to Southport.
Unemployed Skill up While renovating Gold Coast Assets |
![]() |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Oct 16 2007 |
| Media Releases >> |
Currumbin Sanctuary's plans for a Native Animal Hospital will get a boost at the hands of Skilling Queenslanders for Work project participants, while an overrun Ashmore park will also get a makeover.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said 40 disadvantaged jobseekers would gain skills and qualifications through paid work placements funded by a half million dollar state government grant.
"Recruits from high unemployment areas around Currumbin will clear the derelict site of the planned Native Animal Hospital and create walkways, drainage and other infrastructure," Mr Mickel said.
"Meanwhile another group will undertake major restoration works at Glenmore Park in Ashmore which is currently overrun by noxious weeds, largely inaccessible to Gold Coast City Council maintenance staff and screens undesirable social activity.
"Another two similar assignments, to be announced at a later date, are also planned under this grant.
"The benefits to the community of this Skilling Queenslanders for Work project are immeasurable."
Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said participants would gain skills, paid work experience and qualifications in construction, landscaping and horticulture.
"Queensland's booming economy has helped cut the state's unemployment to 3.5 percent," Mr Lawlor said.
"We are committed to continuing the trend and the key to that is giving people the skills employers and industry need."
Gold Coast City Council employment schemes coordinator Peter Johnson said participants would be well placed to go straight into jobs after the project.
"Construction is a key skill shortage on the Gold Coast given the rate at which it is growing," Mr Johnson said.
"Horticulture is linked to that given the number of residential complexes requiring garden development and maintenance, not to mention our golf courses, theme parks and resorts."
Gold Coast City Council has contributed $250,000 to the project in the form of administration, training, materials and equipment.
The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative together with its predecessor the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative have helped create more than
124,000 jobs for Queenslanders since 1998.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work is part of the State Government's $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan which aims to provide individuals and industry with the skills and workforce for the 21st Century.
For more information on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925
Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 10:51 AM
Back
|
|
