State offers $1750 to interstate tradies to help Qld flood recovery

Tradies across Australia will land a bonus cash payment if they pack up and head to Queensland for two months as the state recovers from flooding earlier this year.

Tradies across the country will pocket $1750 if they pack their tools for an eight-week Queensland getaway to help the state recover from its flooding disasters.

Acting Premier Steven Miles officially launched the campaign on Thursday, with the first 1000 tradespeople tempted to be paid the cash.

“The Palaszczuk Government is inviting up to 1000 tradespeople from interstate to join Queensland in restoring local homes and businesses after the recent flood disaster,” Mr Miles said.

Acting Premier Steven Miles announces the new Tradies in Paradise campaign. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

“The devastating flooding events have put skilled tradespeople in high demand and we need more boots on the ground to help communities get back on their feet as soon as possible.

“While they are here, they can get a taste of what it’s like to work, live and play in our great state and maybe even stay forever and trade up to paradise.”

Tradespeople need to undertake eight weeks of reconstruction work in one of 19 eligible local government areas to qualify for the incentive and travel payment of up to $1750.

They include Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

The campaign won’t run in NSW, where large scale flooding has also occurred.

Carpenters, electricians, plasterers, roof tilers and plumbers, tilers, painters and decorators, plumbers, cabinet-makers, planners, architects or building designers, surveyors, building-related engineers, building certifiers, refrigeration and airconditioning mechanics and gas fitters are all wanted.