Additional 40k workers needed in Qld

The Queensland resources sector needs an additional 40,000 workers by 2020 with the most critical skill shortages predicted to be technicians and trades, machinery operators and drivers.

A study carried out by Deloitte and the Queensland Resources Council found the existing workforce of 60,000 would not be enough to meet growing demand. The study authors advise employers to take action now by upskilling existing workers and also searching and recruiting new workers by luring talent currently working within other sectors both interstate and overseas.

The Deloitte/QRC study claims capital expenditure on resource projects in 2011 alone in Queensland was expected to be almost double what it was at any point prior to the GFC.

The study points out that the additional 40,000 workers needed were in resource operations only and did not include extra workers required for support sectors such as construction, transport including rail, utilities and manufacturing.

The study surveyed all QRC members and gathered details on 66 projects with a combined capital expenditure in excess of $142 billion over the period to 2020. The study also looked at the resources sector’s need for labour, electricity and water.

Study authors estimate that if all the projects identified go ahead, the sector will require an additional 40,000 workers, over 5,000 megawatts of electricity and almost 200,000 mega litres of water. While projections show water and power needs can be met – although power supplies will be stretched – the study predicts labour demands cannot be met within Queensland’s borders.

The two most noticeable labour/skill shortages would be technicians and trades workers and machinery operators and drivers.

“Action is needed in the short rather than medium term to deliver solutions to expand the available labour force,” the report claims. “If this does not occur, a lack of skilled labour is likely to be a major impediment to the expansion of Queensland‘s resources sector.”