INDUSTRY NEWS
Cross-Border Taskforce formed
to promote industry growth
A new Cross-Border Industry Taskforce is bringing industries together to develop strategies and initiatives to ensure the area has a suitably skilled workforce that can meet future demands .
IN the coming years more than 4,000 to work together to maximise the new jobs are expected to be created regions ’ prosperity ." in the tri state region that runs from The CBIT has identified some quick Morgan , South Australia , along the wins and game changing ideas that Murray River corridor to Kerang , will need support from various levels Victoria . of government to implement . A recently established Cross-Border The taskforce was developed Industry Taskforce ( CBIT ) is hoping following the Cross Border Future to develop strategies and innovative Industry Workforce Forum held in initiatives to ensure that a suitably Euston late last year . skilled and qualified local workforce More than 130 people attended and can meet the current and future as a result of discussions from the needs of the horticulture , critical forum , a roadmap was created that minerals and renewable energy provides the framework for the CBIT . sectors .
The taskforce has three themes :
CBIT chairman Bernie Hyde said
• Growing our own workforce there are several solar , wind and by encouraging students mineral sands projects in various finishing secondary school stages of planning but these to consider a career in these companies are already starting to industries . consider how they will attract workers • Attracting and retaining for these roles . workers through internal and
“ The taskforce was a unique international migration . collaboration of industries that would • Readjusting to engage more normally be in competition for skilled locals , including opportunities and semi-skilled staff ,” he said . for people who are under
“ Given the scale of what is coming employed , disengaged and down the pipeline though , we need other marginalised cohorts .
34 In A Nutshell - Summer 2024 Vol 25 Issue 4
Recommendations made by the CBIT will be forwarded to a cross-border government group that will include regional development , Cross Border Commissioners and senior skills officials from Victoria , New South Wales and South Australia . The taskforce made a submission to the Department of Home Affairs ’ regarding its review of regional migration settings . The CBIT is also looking at developing a Tristate Industry Skills Passport which would give people access to programs that would boost their employability . This could involve driver education , English language support , first aid qualifications , industry designed skill sets and / or licences to operate machinery , through to preapprenticeship pathways . The almond industry CBIT members are Luke Benham , Aroona Farms . Chris Greig , Amaretto Almonds and Tim Jackson , Almond Board of Australia .