2,000 Tasmanian harvest jobs ripe for the picking
More than 2000 jobs are up for grabs with a wide range of positions available. HOW TO PICK UP A PLUM GIG >>
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FRUIT harvest jobs in Tasmania are now ripe for the picking, says one of the state’s largest berry producers.
More than 2000 jobs across a six-month harvest season are up for grabs at Costa’s Wesley Vale operation with postions sought for supervisors, in crop maintenance, picking, packing, pest management, truck and forklift drivers, irrigation and general maintenance.
“Anyone who is local and applies successfully will be given a go,” said Costa Tasmanian regional manager Cameron Folder.
Mr Folder says with strawberry season kicking off this week, an additional 69 workers have been put on with an additional 50 to begin next week.
“It’s going to take everything we’ve got to get the crop off, but we’re quietly confident we’ll pull it off,” he said. “But I can’t understate the size of the challenge and the difficulties we face.”
In August the State Government announced a $1.9 million campaign ‘Tassie Harvest Jobs: Take Your Pick’ to entice job-seeking Tasmanians to fill the estimated 9000 jobs needed by the fruit industry over the coming season. The program was supported by a Federal Government’s ‘Harvest Trail’.
While the uptake by locals has been high there remains a dearth in worker numbers, which the state government hopes will be filled by working holiday makers through the Seasonal Worker Program and visa holders through the Pacific Labour Scheme.
State minister for Primary Industries and Water, Guy Barnett says the fruit industry is Tasmania is a high-growth sector with berries accounting for half of all fruit production.
“There’s been double-digit growth over the past 4 to 5 years and the prognosis for continued growth is positive because of Tassie’s cool climate and access to water,” he said.
He said while the peak picking season is from December to March there are jobs now with more to come in the months ahead.
For those interested in securing harvest work this season, call the hotline on 1300 292 292.
susan.oong2@news.com.au
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