A new digital campaign aims to position Portland as a job mecca encouraging a new generation of workers to the regional centre.

The Jobs4Portland project, a partnership between the State Government, Regional Development Victoria and Glenelg Shire Council, is creating a digital job pathway highlighting the vast employment and lifestyle opportunities in the city.

A new website www.thisisportland.com.au and digital app are assisting to breakdown the barriers of finding detailed information on job vacancies in the township, with supporting information such as real estate, lifestyle activities, events, education and local business which are critical in the recruitment process.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Anita Rank said the applications provided a “one-stop-shop suite of information” to support the attraction of new people to the region, assisting to solve Portland’s critical skill shortage.

She said there were particular shortages in the professional services and transport sectors’.

“This job information is now in the palm of your hand in one destination making it easier for people to see the vast employment and lifestyle opportunities available in our region,” Cr Rank said.

“This is a whole of community collaboration allowing businesses to post job vacancies, details about events, and real estate opportunities on a digital platform all about us.

“Jobs 4 Portland is a state first and has the capabilities to become a pilot to lead Victoria’s decentralisation project, helping to generate population growth in our regional communities.”

Jobs 4 Portland was funded with $100,000 from the Regional Skills Fund, and includes a workforce analysis report predicting further population growth for the city, with significant gains in education, training and healthcare jobs.

Cr Rank said the study had assisted council to target its advocacy efforts to attract specific sectors utilising the skills and capacity currently available.

“Portland is one of regional Victoria’s most significant centres playing an instrumental role in value adding to the state economy. Jobs 4 Portland will ensure we maintain this momentum, attracting new business, attracting new families and highlighting the region as a desirable place to visit,” she said.