The Queensland government has announced a $7.5 million package to lure workers to take up tourism jobs in regional Queensland.
From July 1, job seekers would be offered a $1,500 incentive to relocate, as well as $250 in travel vouchers in the year-long “Work in Paradise” campaign.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there’s strong demand for workers across the state, from bartenders and deckhands to tour guides, as the industry rebuilds after being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the setbacks, Ms Palaszczuk said the sector is bouncing back, now featuring thousands of unfilled positions amid an influx of domestic visitors.
The incentives will be on offer for jobs in a region stretching north from Mackay as well as inland regions west of Toowoomba.
“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world,” she said.
“This campaign will give Queenslanders and other Australians even more reasons to come to work in paradise.”
Tourism Minister Sterling Hinchliffe said the state government had invested more than $800 million into the tourism industry through the pandemic.
“Work in Paradise is designed to help ease the workforce shortage facing many tourism hotspots, while delivering jobs for Queenslanders and Australians,” he said.
