About ForestWorks QLD Branch

These functions include the provision of advice to government on skills development and employment issues relevant to the forest, wood, paper and timber products industry. Forestworks Queensland also broker’s a number of government contracts to subsidise the cost of accredited training to both entry level and existing workers in these industries.

Forestworks Queensland is currently establishing a steering committee to help prioritise the functions of the branch based on the identified needs of industry.

In the past 12 months Forestworks Queensland has:

• managed and fully acquitted a Strategic Purchasing Policy project worth $350,000 for subsidized training for existing employees
• managed and fully acquitted the first stage of a Productivity Places Program contract worth $140,000
• continued to provide advice to Forestry Plantations Queensland via an ongoing retainer arrangement
• was responsible for the instigation of a government tender and the subsequent winning of that tender to provide a skills analysis, RPL’ing process and the production of individual resumes for displaced workers from Allies Creek and Mulgildie sawmills acquired by the Queensland Government as part of the Western Hardwoods Agreement
• provided ongoing advice to industry and the public on training package issues and skills development options
• worked closely with the Industry Skills Council and State Training Authority in relation to training package development, reviews and the continuous improvement process associated with the Forest and Forest Products Training Package
• continued to be involved with industry, including emerging indigenous forestry activities on Cape York, to insure skills development is addressed at all stages of the planning and development of new ventures.
• has continued to support training providers in the development of their businesses and been the conduit between them and government when appropriate