New research aims to keep skilled staff in Mackay

Employers facing a shortage of skilled staff in the Mackay region are facing another challenge, encouraging people who relocate to stay long-term.

The Mackay Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDC) has launched a new research project, a "Liveability Audit", to find what attracts skilled employees to a town or city and what features the Mackay Whitsunday region needs to provide in order to retain them.

The Corporation's chief executive, Narelle Pearse, said that many people were attracted to Mackay because of the thriving economy, good employment opportunities and attractive lifestyle features, although a large number did not stay or chose not to stay for long. The audit will assess why people choose to leave, but also why people choose to stay.

"The research will be able to tell us where we are currently missing out; we've got so much going for us in the Mackay Whitsunday region but if we keep losing staff to other towns, cities and states, then we need to understand why and do something about it." Ms Pearse said.

Hail Creek Mine's Community Development Fund is supporting the research project with $22,000 in funding.

Hail Creek Mine General Manager Operations Andrew Woodley, said the mine had a vested interest in the success of the research project.

"We have a very successful team and we believe we provide an attractive employment package including training and career development opportunities," Mr Woodley said.

"Ultimately a person's decision about where to live and work is about more than the job, it is about where they spend their time after work, what they do on their weekends, the options and quality of life for their family.

"Understanding all of the factors which contribute to an area's 'liveability' is going to be even more important as we do all we can to address the skills shortage we face".

The Mackay Whitsunday region is the third fastest growing region in the state and is expected to have a population of more than 200,000 by 2026.

Ms Pearse said the next steps after the research was completed would be to estimate the social and economic costs of fixing any liveability gaps.

The research project is expected to be completed in July.

Media Enquiries:

Nathan Scholz

07 3361 4354 / 0417 613 174

Media release - New research aims to keep skilled staff in Mackay [PDF: 25 KB]