Name of Media Type

PRINT

Date

Url

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-16/pick-paradise-campaign-to-lure-ag-workers-to-north-queensland/101441838

Description

James Cook University researcher Zoe Wang has surveyed more than 100 Taiwanese backpackers around Australia and interviewed many with experience working on the Atherton Tablelands. She said many backpackers were already drawn to tropical regions but a lack of housing was deterring the international workforce from working in regional Queensland. Dr Wang said more needed to be done to retain workers for longer periods. "There's definitely a lot of things can be done, for example, better employment conditions or safer and easier ways to rent accommodation, things like that," she said. But she said those already living in regional communities could also play their part by welcoming newcomers to their community. "I think the whole community can work together towards a more welcoming environment that will provide more social opportunities, more recreational opportunities," Dr Wang said. "I think offer some opportunities to hang out with the locals and to get to know the environment, to get to see this beautiful part of the world."