Jobs open to FNQ residents on farms

Far North residents looking for work could pick up employment on farms with a steady rotation of positions becoming available. Find out how you can apply.

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FAR North residents looking for work could pick up employment on farms with a steady rotation of positions becoming available.

In recent weeks the local industry has been impacted due to a shortage of seasonal workers and backpackers as a source of labour.

But FNQ Growers chairman Joe Moro said it had opened up the opportunity for local residents who had lost their regular jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“I know that in Mareeba and Atherton, locals from small country towns that lost jobs in town have picked up jobs on farms,” he said.

“I think that’s what’s helped ease the pressure because there was a labour shortage about three weeks ago.

“Now we don’t seem to be short on farm (workers), but that doesn’t mean there won’t be vacancies that arise because people get sick, visas will expire. There are jobs that become vacant.”

FNQ Growers chairman Joe Moro said there was opportunity for local residents who had lost their jobs to get work in the agriculture sector. Picture: PETER CARRUTHERS

Mr Moro strongly urged people looking for work not to approach farms directly.

“There are biosecurity issues such as panama, and on top of that there’s the issue that realistically someone could bring a virus on to a farm to inadvertently affect the farmer, or some of the workers,” he said.

“It’s best to phone in if you’re going to ring a farmer, or register with the National Harvest Trail. We have modern technology let’s use it.”

If you’re interested in farm work, register your interest at www.harvesttrail.org.au or contact your local employment agency.

Originally published as Jobs open to FNQ residents on farms