A massive landscaping project to overhaul the parklands around Centenary Lakes is set to not only beautify Caboolture, but also provide traineeship opportunities for at least 40 unemployed people.
State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan said there would be two intakes of 20 trainees over this year, under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, being delivered by Reclink.
“The Palaszczuk Government is serious about delivering new jobs and skilling locals to fill those new opportunities, so I’m thrilled to be funding an initiative that will see at least 40 people on the tools here in Caboolture,” he said.
“Reclink will provide trainees with nationally recognised qualifications in construction, conservation and land management as well as help them obtain their White Card, Senior First Aid training and a Certificate 2 in Work and Vocational Pathways.
“Any Australian or New Zealand citizen who has been unemployed for longer than six months is eligible to apply to be part of this exciting opportunity, so get in touch!”
Division 3 Councillor Adam Hain said it had taken 12 months of planning and collaboration with a range of local community groups to pull the program together.
“Council will be covering the costs of supplies and materials to get this job done which I’m really excited about, because Centenary Lakes has needed a major reinvigoration for some time,” he said.
“This landscaping and construction program represents one of the largest training project of its kind under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and is another proactive step towards making our town a more beautiful destination to visit and walk around.
“Works will be directed by Council’s planning and development staff, with Reclink providing the equipment for trainees and supervisory staff to monitor progress.
“Best of all, by partnering with Reclink and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training we’ll get an optimal design outcome that saves Moreton Bay ratepayers a huge amount of money in project costs.”
Reclink’s Queensland state manager Steve Hutchinson said the program could even be extended for another year if they can hit the outcome targets set by the state department.
“Reclink is really excited to have the opportunity to change the lives for people involved in this project through new skill development and career objectives to meet the growing needs of industry in the Moreton Bay region,” he said.
“Since 2015 Reclink has successfully implemented a variety of employment based projects for people experiencing long term unemployment and significant barriers to sustaining work.
“This is the second project Reclink has operated in the Caboolture region with the first completing work with Caboolture Scouts and at Caboolture PCYC.
“This project reported 80% successful transition to further employment and 8% continuing further study and training so we have set high standards to achieve positive results for this group.
“Participants completing this project are also eligible for significant wage subsidies of $10,000 when moving on to an apprenticeship or traineeship with another local employer.”
