The Queensland and Federal Governments have committed funding of $800,000 for an Industry Workforce Connect coordinator program designed to maximise opportunities arising from the mining and resources industry boom in Queensland.

 

The program will employ two job coordinators, one based on the Gold Coast and the other in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.

 

"The Australian Government is connecting the dots between the Australian workforce and major projects with strong job opportunities," the Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans said.

 

"The two new coordinators will help Queensland workers find and secure jobs in the State's rapidly growing industries - especially in remote areas.

 

"These appointments will benefit Queensland workers, major Queensland resource and infrastructure projects as well as the state economy.

 

"The coordinators will attract, train and connect suitable workers to jobs on mining, construction and infrastructure projects - and this will include working with airlines to help workers commute to remote locations.

 

The Gold Coast and Wide Bay Burnett were chosen because of the potential workforce and air services.

 

The Commonwealth will contribute $400,000 over two years to the positions and this will be matched by the State Government.