Glenelg Shire Council is confident of attracting a number of former South Australian automobile employees to fill the skill shortage in the booming local timber industry.
Council representatives joined with the Committee for Portland and Porthaul last week showcasing local job opportunities at a Green Triangle job expo hosted by the Holden Job Transition Centre in Elizabeth.
Cross border counterparts from Mt Gambier City Council, Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast and local timber companies presented at the showcase which attracted about 100 redundant Holden workers.
Glenelg Shire Council CEO Greg Burgoyne said the response had been “extremely positive”.
He said one family had booked a Portland holiday to explore job opportunities with others speaking directly to Porthaul regarding vacant truck driving positions.
“Portland and the Green Triangle region has a lot to offer these more than 1000 workers who will complete their last shifts later this month.
“They have skills that transition directly into our timber industry where we are currently experiencing shortages of skilled staff from MC drivers to excavators and auto electricians.
“Porthaul currently have more than 50 truck driving positions, in addition to roles at our local hospital, TAFE and manufacturing sector which would suit these highly skilled and highly motivated employees.”
Mr Burgoyne said a five minute Green Triangle promotional video assisted in selling the region’s lifestyle benefits.
He said additionally a Portland job promotion clip had been produced, attracting more than 17,000 views on social media.
“Many of these workers have been attracted by our affordable housing, great education, health facilities and transport connections to both Adelaide and Melbourne.
“One of our great selling points is the lifestyle factors – our great beaches, fishing, surfing, and sporting facilities. I personally think the best part of living in this part of the world is our friendly community which we did our best to showcase to the workers.”
Mr Burgoyne said council was proud to partner with Mt Gambier City Council in the marketing initiative and hoped to do more work in the tourism sector in the near future.
