$1 million Queensland transport training program to help flood recovery

Transport and Main Roads and Skills Queensland have joined forces in a $1 million training package to rapidly upskill more than 700 transport machinery operators to assist flood reconstruction efforts.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the 'Transition' training program would contribute to the massive task of rebuilding Queensland's road and transport network.

"This program will provide new skills training for the transport, logistics and supply chain industry – an industry that faced significant skills shortages prior to the flooding but even more so now," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The training will enable road transport operators to further assist in flood reconstruction efforts to get communities reconnected and support Queensland's economic recovery."

Ms Palaszczuk said road transport operators were critical to flood recovery in both the cleanup, recovery and restoration stages.

Those completing the two- to four-week Transition program will receive an upgraded or new heavy vehicle driver's licence and attain six nationally recognised vocational competencies toward a qualification.

Other participants will receive a plant operation ticket (such as forklift, excavator, front end loader, roller or skidsteer), to be ready to start work as a driver or plant operator in the community.

"Queensland's 33,000km road network – the state's single biggest piece of infrastructure – took more damage than any other government asset during the flooding," she said.

"Restoring and reconstructing key transport routes and keeping freight moving is vital for our economic recovery and remains a priority for us."

"Queensland's transport, logistics and supply chain contributes 18.6 per cent to Gross State Product (which currently equates to $15.8 billion).

Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining Stirling Hinchliffe said the package was part of the $83 million Jobs and Skills package announced by the state and federal governments last weekend.

Mr Hinchliffe said it was important people were given a chance to attain new skills quickly so they could help with the flood recovery effort.

"That's why Skills Queensland is working with industry to skill up Queenslanders for the jobs of today and the future," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Programs like this will help strengthen Queensland's economic base by providing a skilled workforce that meets the current and future needs of industry and the community."

For more information on the 'Transition' program contact Transport and Main Roads on (07) 3306 6785, email Transform@tmr.qld.gov.au or go to www.tmr.qld.gov.au/transform