FNQ Agricultural Workforce Report
This report has been developed to provide industry with a clear, data-driven understanding of workforce trends across Far North Queensland’s agricultural sector. Given your role in the industry, we wanted to share these insights directly with you.
The findings highlight the scale and complexity of labour supply across the region, reaching between 11,000 – 15,000 workers at any one time during the year. In particular, the report confirms the significant reliance on international labour programs, with more than 2,500 PALM workers, around 285 DAMA visa holders, and an estimated 5,600 working holiday makers contributing to the agricultural workforce across FNQ. At the same time, more than 2,400 Australian workers remain a smaller but important part of the sector, particularly within horticulture.
We hope this report provides useful insights to support your planning and decision-making. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the findings further or hear your perspectives on workforce challenges and opportunities in the region.
