Council win for migration
Published on 31 March 2022
Moira Shire Council, in conjunction with Greater Shepparton City Council and Campaspe Shire, is pleased to announce the launch of the Goulburn Valley Designated Area Migration Agreement (GV DAMA), with applications now open.
Mayor Libro Mustica said many employers were struggling to attract and retain skilled workers over recent years.
"This is across a variety of industries such as health, professional services, agriculture, education, specialist services, and trades," Cr Mustica said.
"Due to socio-economic and geographic constraints, regional communities are typically hit the hardest from these shortages.
"This agreement is a big win for Council's advocacy; we have been meeting with politicians and officials from all levels of government to facilitate this outcome, particularly with the strain on local employers significantly worsening since 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic."
The GV DAMA is a targeted program allowing endorsed employers to access migrant workers.
"Workers appointed under the GV DAMA are not replacing local workers; they are filling large gaps in the labour market which have been increasingly holding businesses in our region back," Cr Mustica said.
"The GV DAMA will help businesses in the region to remain productive, competitive and sustainable into the future with skilled labour."
Cr Mustica said this program was hopefully just the start of better access to workers for local employers.
"This is certainly a great start, but as a major agricultural region, Moira Shire also has a massive shortage of seasonal workers.
"The seasonal worker shortages have been devastating to many farms in our region and Council is actively proposing a seasonal migration solution to the Federal Government, which would allow employers direct access to the workers they so desperately need.
To apply, or for further information, please contact Designated Area Representative Kristy McIntyre from Monday to Thursday between 9am and 4.45pm on 5832 9501, or visit www.gvdama.com.au