Secured $400k for RDA TNWQ to deliver workforce solutions through the Regional Jobs Committees program

Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland (RDA TNWQ) serves as a regional development facilitator and advocate, working collaboratively across one of Queensland's most geographically extensive and economically diverse regions. RDA TNWQ covers 14 Local Government Areas, spanning from Townsville to Mount Isa and throughout the Gulf region. The organisation's work is aligned with the Australian Government's Regional Investment Framework, focusing on investment in people, places, services and industries while supporting local economies.

North and North West Queensland continues to face persistent workforce challenges that affect economic growth and community development. The region maintains a substantial project pipeline exceeding $29 billion, which presents significant workforce and supply chain opportunities. However, translating these opportunities into tangible outcomes requires targeted intervention to address skills gaps in key industry sectors. Local businesses and communities needed a coordinated approach to workforce development that could connect employers with training providers, educational institutions and government support mechanisms.

The Queensland Government's Regional Jobs Committees (RJC) program 2025-27 offered an opportunity to establish place-based solutions for local workforce and skilling challenges. The program aimed to bring together industry groups, training providers, schools, employers, unions and councils to deliver workforce solutions across Queensland.

As the current RJC host organisation, RDA TNWQ was well-positioned to build on its existing work and relationships. The organisation recognised that their established networks, regional knowledge and proven track record in managing the previous RJC contract positioned them to deliver meaningful outcomes for the Townsville region in the next funding period. 

Enablen worked with RDA TNWQ to develop a funding submission that demonstrated both the organisation's capability and the proposed program's alignment with funding objectives. 

We conducted a detailed analysis of the region's workforce needs and opportunities, drawing on RDA TNWQ's existing economic intelligence and stakeholder relationships. This provided evidence of the gaps that needed to be addressed and the potential for the program to deliver tangible outcomes. 

The submission outlined a practical delivery model that would:

• Establish a Regional Jobs Committee bringing together local workforce stakeholders to identify challenges and co-design solutions
• Implement targeted workforce attraction campaigns to address skills shortages in key sectors
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement through workshops, forums and direct consultation
• Develop and maintain digital platforms to connect job seekers with opportunities across the region
• Produce annual action plans that align regional skills development with industry and employer needs

The funding application succeeded in securing $400k for the two-year program. This investment will enable RDA TNWQ to continue coordinating workforce development initiatives across the Townsville region, connecting businesses with the skilled workers they need while providing pathways for local residents to access employment opportunities.

Visit RDA TNWQ at https://www.rdanwq.org.au/ for more information.