Council hunts for 30 new staff to get Townsville 'back to basics'

New mayor's promise to fix Townsville's failing bins and mowing services faces ultimate test as the council makes a bid to boost boots on the ground.

Townsville mayor Nick Dametto with TCC's Parks team members, Mick Cribb, Zeke Clayton and Brad Mikic, are excited about Council's Back to Basics Recruitment Drive. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Bins, mowing, potholes and more. Townsville City Council is launching its bid to get the basics right with a new recruitment drive to fill up to 30 positions in the organisation.

The recruitment drive, which will include an information session and interview sessions next week, is expected to fill vacancies in many key sectors, including waste collection.

The council are going to run a back to basics blitz to hire people to help fill the roles they have vacant. Rubbish bins in Currajong. Picture: Evan Morgan

In recent months, the community has complained that it took days, sometimes weeks, for bins to be collected in some parts of the city.

The council says it is putting out all the stops to draw in new staff to ensure key services are being delivered.

New Mayor Cr Dametto had “back to basics” as a pillar of his election campaign, saying he wanted to make sure bins were delivered on time and grass was cut in a timely manner.

The services the council offered took up a hefty part of the campaign as bin collection fell behind due to staff shortages and some outdoor services were delayed due to stop works amid a pay dispute.

Part of Cr Dametto’s back to basics promises also included addressing sewerage issues in the city, as soon as possible.

Townsville mayor Nick Dametto with TCC's Parks team members, Mick Cribb, Brad Mikic and Zeke Clayton, are excited about Council's Back to Basics Recruitment Drive. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Cr Dametto said he wanted to “restore pride and prosperity” back to Townsville, starting with the little things.

“I want people to be proud to call Townsville home once again, and that starts by making sure people are happy with the services we provide and the amenity of our city,” Cr Dametto said.

“I am heavily focused on getting those basics done right – the lawns mowed, drains cleaned, potholes fixed, and bins emptied, but to do that we have to make sure we have the right people for the job.

“That’s why we are trying to remove barriers to getting appropriate people into jobs, by holding a recruitment information session on Saturday December 13 at Reid Park.”

The council are going to run a back to basics blitz to hire people to help fill the roles they have vacant. Pothole in West End street. Picture: Evan Morgan

Cr Dametto said the council had about 30 positions available, ranging from waste truck drivers, labourers, parks and gardens crew members to gatehouse operators.

There will be an information session from 10am to 1pm, which will feature breakout sessions on the types of jobs available as well as on-site interviews.

“Everyone is in the same boat when it comes to getting skilled labour at the moment, so it’s time to do something different to get the information out there for people to come down, have a listen, be able to ask questions and see if they are a fit for our team,” Cr Dametto said.

The council are going to run a back to basics blitz to hire people to help fill the roles they have vacant. Rubbish collection in Currajong. Picture: Evan Morgan

“We’re looking for people who are up for a change, keen to upskill, want to work with great team members and have access to great benefits – whether you’re in the industry already or looking to return to work from having kids or even from early retirement – if you have the skills and the passion we want to hear from you.

“From full-time opportunities to part-time and casual roles – every job at Council plays a vital role in growing Townsville, this is about getting boots on the ground in those areas where the little things can make a big difference in both the amenity of our city and Townsville’s civic pride.”

Originally published as Council hunts for 30 new staff to get Townsville 'back to basics'