Contact Melissa Denning
vegetablesWA Labour Scheme Facilitator
0477 477 044
melissa.denning@vegetableswa.com.au
Labour has been identified as a critical issue in 2020. Our usual workforce of backpackers (417 and 462 visa holders) has reduced by up to 60 per cent and it is unlikely that significant numbers will start to return before 2022.
WA growers are starting to look outside the common avenues for recruiting workers. Facebook, Gumtree and using the local hostel have proven effective in the past but this method is now proving more difficult.
Click here to learn more about SWP Accommodation
Click here to learn more about the Pacific Labour Scheme & Seasonal Worker Programme
Harvest Trail Services – Rural Enterprises
In this webinar vegetablesWA labour scheme facilitator Melissa Denning explains how the programme works, the benefits and how you can get involved.
The State Government is investing $3 million in the ‘Primary Industries Workers Regional Travel and Accommodation Support Scheme’ to attract young people to work in the regions to help satisfy demand for short-term agricultural jobs, created by the loss of the backpackers’ workforce due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The State Government is providing a rebate of up to $3360 for accommodation costs, with a relocation and travel allowance of up to $500 also available.
Under the scheme, people who relocate more than 100kms from their home to take up agricultural, fisheries or food processing work in the regions will be able to claim a $40 per night accommodation rebate for up to 12 weeks. The rebate will apply to regional accommodation costs incurred from 21 September 2020, to meet the spring/summer horticultural and grains harvest labour demand. A minimum of two weeks verified work is required before a claim can be made.
The Primary Industries Workers Regional Travel and Accommodation Support Scheme will provide targeted assistance to farming, fisheries and food processing businesses in regional areas experiencing labour shortages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The scheme will provide new opportunities for WA job seekers, encourage regional work and travel, and help people access jobs in the regions.
The funding will provide an accommodation allowance of $40 per night from 21 September 2020 plus a travel allowance to eligible and approved applicants.
Funding amounts
An approved applicant can apply for:
An accommodation allowance of $40 per night ($280 week) for each night living away from home to take up eligible employment in regional area, up to a maximum of 12 weeks.
and
A one-off travel allowance with the payment amount based on the region in which they have taken up employment being:
A person living in Western Australia who:
