Jobs are the Hodgman Liberal Government’s first priority, and that’s why we are working with the Circular Head community to advance new opportunities.
Today, I was pleased to attend a hospitality awareness session at Smithton that is aimed at attracting interested workers for further training and, hopefully, employment in this growing sector.
Murray Goulburn’s closure later this year of its Edith Creek factory has demanded a response to help those affected find alternative employment.
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) is to be commended for bringing its Hospitality Awareness Program – which is supported by the Liberal Government – to Circular Head.
When the THA saw that Skills Tasmania Rapid Response Skills Initiative staff were visiting the factory to assist workers with advice and information about other employment options, they recognised an opportunity to promote their own industry.
Working with the Rapid Response Skills Initiative, the THA organised today’s information sessions at Tall Timbers – an award-winning hospitality venue in Circular Head.
The focus is very much on hospitality and tourism, two interconnected and growing industries, and is providing information on training and employment opportunities.
This is a great opportunity for both affected workers and for the local hospitality and tourism industries.
Importantly, this work also aligns well to that of the Circular Head Regional Economic Development Working Group, which was set up by the Liberal Government in response to the Murray Goulburn decision and which I chair.
We have identified strong opportunities for growth in the local tourism industry, with one initiative being the attraction of a cruise ship visit to the nearby port of Stanley.
We are continuing to work with all stakeholders, such as the THA, to help workers and the community adjust to this change and find a brighter future for the greater Circular Head region.