Reducing unemployment in Mount Isa and across Northern Queensland will be the focus of a new program to be supported by Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland.
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The RDA region has been chosen as one of 10 trial sites across the country to run the federal government’s Regional Employment Trials program.
RDA Townsville and North West Queensland CEO Glenys Schuntner said they would partner with the Department of Jobs and Small Business to implement the program.
“This program will allow our region to trial local approaches to identify employment challenges and tailor solutions that take into account our labour market,” Ms Schuntner said.
“Local stakeholders can develop project proposals that address employment needs and apply for a grant to implement that project.
Local stakeholders can develop project proposals that address employment needs and apply for a grant to implement that project
- Glenys Schuntner
Grants are available from $7500 to $200,000, however stakeholders must contribute a minimum of 25 per cent of eligible project costs. The total pool of funding is $1 million over two years.
RDA will be working closely with North Queensland Employment Facilitator, John Hall and North West Queensland Employment Facilitator, Tamilyn Brennan to work with organisations to develop tailored projects that will help job seekers prepare for and find work.
“RDA will play a critical role in assessing and scoring proposals for recommendation to the government,” Ms Schuntner said.
“We encourage applicants to put forward project proposals that will reduce the 8.2% unemployment in Townsville and the 9% unemployment in Mount Isa.”
While there is no grant submission deadline, all projects must be completed by June 30, 2020.
Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash said the program supported local employment projects.
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