By JOLENE OGLE
IT’S time to get busy creating jobs, according to Noosa Councillor Sandy Bolton who wants to use Noosa’s resources to grow local industry and break the unemployment cycle.
Throughout the year, Cr Bolton has brought together 18 stakeholders from the education, training, employment and business industry to discuss ways to tackle Noosa’s high unemployment rate in an unemployment and training round table.
The group first met in May and have since developed three recommendations that include a submission to Council’s draft social and local economic plans that calls for an audit of industry training needs in Noosa.
It is hoped the audit will reveal information on what courses would suit the Noosa community and develop the rationale for re-opening the former Noosa TAFE facility.
While on a recent visit to the site, Cr Bolton said it was resources such as the training facility that are severely under-utilised in the Noosa community.
“Noosa needs jobs, but there is also a demand for exports of Noosa products such as furniture and arts and a growing demand for Noosa-based products such as paddock-to-plate producers within the food industry,” she said.
“Why don’t we utilise a facility such as the former Noosa TAFE site to develop and grow these industries in a training capacity?”
Cr Bolton said the development of such programs would offer locals the opportunity to learn an artisan skill plus gain employment through the sale of Noosa products, helping break the unemployment cycle and grow Noosa as a brand.
The appointment of a project co-ordinator to drive the initiative and help manage current initiatives was also part of the group’s recommendations, as well as the formation of an employment and training reference group with representatives from all stakeholders, designed to continue to collaboration between industry, education providers and government.
Cr Bolton has handed the reins of the reference group to Sharon Wright who will help drive the push for industry and employment growth.
“I am proud to volunteer my time to be part of such a knowledgeable and committed group in its efforts to address a real concern for not only our youth but to all ages,” Ms Wright said.
Ms Wright said anyone who would like to become involved and offer their experience to the network in its aims to improve training opportunities and reduce unemployment, is welcome to phone her on 0415 843 592.
