-
Development opportunities for young regional local government employees
-
Made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program
More than $1.2 million in State Government funding will be invested into a program to create leadership and early career development opportunities for young people in country local governments.
Launching the Country Local Government Fund Youth Development Program in the City of Mandurah, Local Government Minister Tony Simpson said attracting and retaining local talent was important for regional Western Australia.
“Country local governments tell us that an ageing workforce and high staff turnover impacts on their ability to deliver and maintain local services,” Mr Simpson said.
“Providing young people with local career options enables them to stay in their community of choice, and puts a stop to the drain of talented staff out of our regions. As significant employers in many country areas, local governments are well placed to develop the talent of young people in their communities.”
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the capacity-building program was a significant step forward for social and economic development in regional areas.
“This program will support improvements in the capacity of country local governments to identify opportunities for developments and initiatives, particularly within the community and not-for-profit sector,” Mr Redman said.
“I am pleased to see Royalties for Regions contributing to building and maintaining a positive lifestyle for our regional communities.”
Under the program, more than 40 scholarships with a total value of $400,000 will be available for local government employees aged up to 30 years for leadership development and training.
The Government is also seeking to partner with country local governments to provide support for the creation of entry-level employment for young people between the ages of 17 and 24. The two-year traineeships will cover a range of employment areas in the sector.
Fact File
-
The program is funded through Royalties for Regions’ Country Local Government Fund
-
An expression of interest process for local governments interested in partnering in the traineeship program will be advertised shortly
