The oyster industry is among many facing a severe workforce shortage.(ABC Eyre Peninsula: Brooke Neindorf)
Like many industries, the aquaculture sector is facing a workforce shortagein regional South Australia compounded by a lack of accommodation for staff.
On the west coast of the state,Smoky Bay Oysters general manager Jo Pocock dreams of growing her business — but without adequate staff levels, it's a dream that's far-fetched.
We're trying to expand, but it's difficult when you can't find the people to do that, she said.
The real challenge is finding permanent long-term staff. That continuity is important.
An accommodation crisis in the area is contributing to the problem, so Ms Pocock has resorted to purchasinga housein order to promise workersa bed.
We're trying to make our roles attractive by guaranteeing there is accommodation available and using that as an incentive to work for us, she said.
Different farmers have different ways of incentivising people …bonuses and things like that are really critical.
South Australian Oyster Growers Association president Rob Kerin said backpackers and migrants were part of the solution — but he agreed accommodation continued to be an issue.
There are very few empty beds in the region, he said.
That's a real problem going forward for a lot of us, whether it's the oyster industry or any other industry.
Long term, we do need more accommodation in regional SA —but that's going to take a while to do.
Oysters are in high demand this summer, and so are workers.(ABC Eyre Peninsula: Brooke Neindorf)
Incentives key to tackling skills shortage
Gazander Oystersco-founder Carly Thomsonsaid the oyster industry had not been officiallyidentifiedas an industry needing workers.
The oyster industry in South Australia doesn't necessarily sit on …job market boards or industry things, she said.
Carly Thomson worksextra hoursto compensate for a lack of staff.(ABC Eyre Peninsula: Brooke Neindorf)
Unless you're [identified as] lacking in workers, you're not going to attract that attention from your government departments or those contractors that work for them or train.
Ms Thomsonprides herself on creating a welcoming work environment and has worked extra hours to ensure her workers can have time off.
She said it was the responsibility of industry leaders to incentivise people to come to work on the water.
Realistically to get someone to come out and work for you growing oysters, you just have to make it attractive, she said.
You pay above, you offer incentives.
Fishing, aquaculture industry collaboration required
Seafood Industry Australia's aquaculture policy and project officerJulie Pettysaidstaffing issues could be resolved moreeffectively if the aquaculture and fishing industriesworkedtogether.
Ms Petty said shared knowledge was key.
We're seeing an opportunity to collaborate a lot more effectively … because we have similar challenges and problems, she said.
Some of these, like access to labour, might be able to be resolved a lot more quickly if we work together.
There is a chronic worker shortage.
With aquaculture growing … we don't need to effectively maintain the good people, we need alot more people as well.
Oyster growers are working extra hours to keep up with demand.(ABC Eyre Peninsula: Brooke Neindorf)
Despite the challenges, Ms Petty said progress on collaboration between industries was being made.
The past 12 months I understand there is more of an effort for the aquaculture sectors to work more collaboratively, she said.
What we're trying to do is not just provide employment opportunities,but explain how you can make those connections in our exciting industry.
Meanwhile, Smoky Bay growerMs Pocock said it was the country way to persevere — and that's what sheand her team were doing.
In the regional communities, part of the culture is to find a way. It's something that we need to be mindful of for our workers' health, [and]our own health … it's important for us to find people to fill those roles, so we're not working two jobs.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-03/workforce-shortage-oyster-industry-farmer-buys-house-for-workers/101603600
