The NSW government has launched a new website to help the agriculture industry overcome a COVID-induced labour shortage ahead of what is expected to be the best harvest in years, while helping job seekers find critical work.
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The 'Help Harvest NSW' website was launched on Monday, connecting unemployed Australians with farm work opportunities across the state.
With a shortage of up to 5000 workers in the state as a result of COVID-19 international and state border restrictions, the new website will help NSW farmers find workers to assist with the upcoming winter crop harvest, according to Minister for Agriculture and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
"Farmers are desperate to find contractors and employees willing to work to make the most of the bumper harvest we're about to have," Mr Marshall said.
"A high volume of primary industries labour generally comes from overseas and due to COVID-19 international travel restrictions there simply isn't the number of farm workers the ag industry needs at the moment.
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"The Help Harvest NSW website will help to overcome this challenge by connecting job-seeking Australians with agricultural work opportunities in NSW.
"I want to see more Aussies climb off the couch and get out into the regions where there's plenty of good paying work on until the end of the year.
"At a time when we are just beginning to emerge from drought, our state's farmers cannot afford to miss out on the financial uplift that comes from a strong harvest."
With higher than average unemployment due to COVID-19, Mr Marshall said that 'Help Harvest NSW' was a way to get the state's workforce moving again.
"Never before and never again will Australians have a better chance to take up farm work, earn a decent wage and see first-hand our beautiful regions where the food we buy every day from the supermarket is produced," he said.
"My message to the increasing number of people looking for a job at the moment is this: get off your bum and get into agriculture - we need you.
"Take a look at Help Harvest NSW and see what job opportunities are around the corner."
To explore 'Help Harvest NSW' visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/help-harvest-nsw