Townsville DAMA Announced

Townsville will benefit from access to more skilled workers following the signing of the landmark Townsville Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said the Australian Government is committed to the success of Townsville and the North Queensland region.

“This agreement responds to regional economic challenges by opening the door to attract and settle more skilled workers into the region,” Minister Hawke said.

The Townsville DAMA covers 195 occupations across a broad range of sectors including manufacturing, health care and social assistance, transport, and professional, scientific and technical services. Access to these occupations provides local businesses with flexibility and responsiveness to address existing labour shortages.

North Queensland

Local businesses in North Queensland operating in any of the following 9 local government areas will have access to the new DAMA:

City of Townsville
Hinchinbrook Shire
Charters Towers Regional Council
Burdekin Shire
City of Mount Isa
Shire of Cloncurry
Shire of McKinlay
Shire of Richmond
Shire of Flinders

Like other labour agreements, the Townsville DAMA is tailored to the region’s unique economic and labour market environment. The DAMA is only accessible to employers with genuine skills shortages that can demonstrate a commitment to Australian jobseekers.

What is a DAMA?

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional state or territory authority. DAMA permits employers in designated areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions they are unable to fill with local workers. It is custom-made to address current and growing labour market shortages and local terms and conditions of employment.