A new national report has revealed widespread workforce shortages across Australia’s local government sector, with vacancies in engineering, planning and building roles continuing to challenge councils’ ability to deliver essential services and infrastructure projects.
Released at the National General Assembly in Canberra, the Local Government Skills Audit and Review of the Uptake and Utility of the LGA Local Government Training Package National Report found 83 per cent of councils are experiencing persistent occupational shortages, with regional, rural and remote communities most affected.
Developed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and Public Skills Australia, the report draws on feedback from 280 councils and seven state and territory local government associations.
The findings highlight growing workforce pressures across a sector that employs 218,000 people in more than 400 occupations across 538 councils nationwide.
Public Skills Australia Director of Workforce Strategy and Insights, Adam Halliwell, said the report underscored the breadth of skills required across local government.
“Local government employs more than 400 different occupations, demonstrating the array of services provided by councils and the broad skills and capabilities required for this important workforce,” Halliwell said.
“With the expansion of these services, it’s vital that local councils have access to quality vocational education and training opportunities to continually upskill their workforces now and into the future.”
ALGA President, Mayor Matt Burnett, said councils were facing increasing challenges attracting and retaining skilled workers.
“Local government is on the frontline of delivering the services Australians rely on every day, from maintaining roads and community facilities to supporting housing growth, disaster resilience and environmental management,” Burnett said.
“To deliver these services effectively, councils need access to a skilled and capable workforce. Yet many councils, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities, are struggling to fill critical positions.”
Burnett said shortages in engineering, planning and other specialist professions were affecting councils’ ability to deliver key projects and services.
“The shortage of engineers, planners and other specialist professionals is creating real challenges for councils and the communities they serve,” he said.
“These are the people who help deliver housing developments, maintain essential infrastructure and support local economic growth.”
The report found councils are operating in an increasingly complex environment shaped by rising community expectations, digital transformation, expanding regulatory obligations, growing responsibilities in disaster preparedness and recovery, and changing workforce demographics.
It also highlighted the importance of vocational education and training as a pathway for developing local government skills, particularly in compliance and safety-critical roles, while identifying ongoing barriers to accessing suitable training opportunities.
Burnett said investment in workforce development would be critical to supporting future housing and infrastructure delivery.
“Local government employs people across more than 400 occupations and is often one of the largest employers in regional Australia,” Burnett said.
“Building a sustainable local government workforce is not just a council issue. It is essential to the long-term prosperity, resilience and liveability of communities across the country.”
The project produced eight reports, comprising a national report and seven state and territory reports, including the Northern Territory.
To find out more or to download the reports, visit publicskillsaustralia.org.au
