KEY COUNCIL STAFF NEEDED TO BUILD ABETTER WOLLONGONG

A national shortage of engineers building surveyors and town planners, is holding back local government performance according to Wollongong Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown.

Cr Brown is calling on Wollongong Council to apply for recruits soon to be available under a $350m State Government plan to help councils hire 1300 apprentices, cadets and trainees.

‘An Australian Local Government Association report identified a looming sector-wide shortage of key staff such as engineers, building surveyors and town planners. I want to ensure Wollongong has the trained specialist staff to deliver better outcomes for our community,’ Cr Brown said.

“Our community wants and deserves more footpaths, cycleways and street repairs - an expanded skilled workforce is needed to deliver in these areas.

“Council has a proud record of hiring apprentices, trainees and cadets and this new State Government scheme will help us build and maintain the skills that our region needs”.

“Council has 38 cadets, apprentices and trainees but a national shortage caused by an aging workforce and competition from the private sector means we need to be proactive in filling and expanding these roles.

Cr Brown said an expanded town planning workforce will help accelerate development approval times for housing.

“I welcome the Minns Government commitment to growing the apprenticeship and traineeship pool and want to ensure Council is ready to take advantage of this opportunity, hence my Notice of Motion at the upcoming Council meeting on 12 August.

The ALGA survey which is referenced in the June ISJO report can be found here; 2022 Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey (alga.com.au)