Workforce, Migration & Housing

by Chamber President, Allan Milostic

As migration settings are reviewed federally and Queensland progresses work on a potential state-led Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), the Chamber is keeping regional workforce needs firmly on the agenda.

But workforce and housing need to be considered together.

We hear regularly from businesses struggling to attract and retain staff because people simply can’t afford to live in the Whitsundays. Creating new workforce pathways won’t solve the problem if there isn’t somewhere for people to live.

The Chamber supports a migration system that responds to genuine workforce shortages and recognises regional needs – alongside a stronger focus on housing supply and affordability.

We’ll continue to monitor developments, engage with government and regional stakeholders, and keep members informed.