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Worker shortage will derail Victorian and Gippsland farms and agriculture businesses

The Andrews Labor Government has failed to step up to the plate to solve a desperate shortage of workers across Victorian farms and agriculture businesses.

By news@gippsland - 17th August 2021 - Back to News

Tens of thousands of vacancies that need to be filled in Victoria’s horticulture industry are just the tip of the iceberg as the closure of international borders – and Victoria’s unwillingness to prioritise farm workers’ entry to the state – continues to bite. Industry experts say without action, a shortage of harvest contractors and bulk handlers, shearers and workers in the meat processing industry will derail a bumper year for Victorian agriculture.

With shortage of farm workers, farmers report declining profits, some fear foreclosure, many are now planting fewer crops which could drive up food prices

Must prioritise the farm workers

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the Andrews Labor Government must prioritise farm workers for entry into the state. "It’s Groundhog Day for our farmers who again find themselves fighting against the Labor Government’s city-centric ignorance."

"With the current limit for seasonal workers expected to be met by October – and a forecast shortage of up to 24,000 workers in the horticulture industry – Labor’s Agriculture Minister can’t afford to delay."

"The Minister’s murky half-promises of an ‘imminent’ decision on the extension don’t cut it – horticulture growers are planning their next season right now. The Andrews Labor Government could find a solution to get Aus Open international tennis players and staff into the state, there’s no reason it can’t find a way to prioritise the workers that are needed across our agriculture sector."

Deliver certainty

Mr Walsh said other measures, like rapid testing and better vaccination rates, could be a game-changer to deliver certainty for the food supply chain. "The time is now for the government to roll out rapid testing. It's a way to keep Victorians safe."

"It's a way to help reopen this state and keep us open, and that's what Victorians need as much as anything else. The Andrews Labor Government is guilty of ignoring Victoria’s agriculture sector, with no plan to fill the void left by COVID border closures."

Pictures from Invest Gippsland website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Rowenna Dunn announced as new manager for the West Gippsland Arts Centre
  Announcement of Rowenna Dunn as new manager of West Gippsland Arts Centre.
• Reinstate density limits and not patron caps for safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
  Victorian Government has been urged to reinstate density limits, not patron caps, for the safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
• Feedback invited on Rural Land Use Strategy from East Gippsland Shire Council
  Council inviting the community to send their feedback for the rural land use strategy.
• Budget and financial plan for 2021/22 adopted by South Gippsland Shire Council
  Budget and financial planning 2021-22.
• Tickets on sale for Archibald Prize exhibition in October at Gippsland Art Gallery
  Tickets on sale for Archibald Prize at Gippsland Art Gallery.
• Five reasons to get to Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort in Gippsland this winter
  Resort where kids can learn to ski or snowboard, or for the family to spend the holiday to.
• Baw Baw Shire Council shares in state funding to help residents understand the four-bin recycling system
  Victorian councils are being supported to roll out new education campaigns to help residents understand the four-bin recycling system, as part of the Victorian Government’s goal to divert 80% of waste from landfill.
• The Disability Gateway is new one-stop shop for support to people in Gippsland with a disability
  People with disability can now access support team which includes information, programs and support available.
• Peter Walsh says rapid testing will help Melbourne and regions in Victoria like Gippsland open up and stay open
  Rapid COVID-19 testing as the key to put Victoria back on track.
• New website to showcase East Gippsland
  A new website that will improve the East Gippsland visitor experience is now live.
• Federal government grants MediPharm Labs in Wonthaggi to $466,577 and create more local manufacturing jobs
  Grant to modernize a local company, MediPharm Labs to create greater efficiency and competitiveness.
• Another horror month from VLine from commuters on Gippsland trains
  V/Line’s reliability plummeted to a record low last month, including on train lines to Gippsland and Bairnsdale.