Fears for Hunter Valley vintage harvest 2022 due to lack of seasonal workers

Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association CEO Amy Cooper said the organisation was "quite nervous" about possible shortages for vintage early next year, considering it cannot be delayed or moved due to being weather-dependent.

The vineyards usually rely somewhat on backpackers and international visitors, which are currently restricted due to international border closures.

"It's such a short sharp intensive workforce," Ms Cooper said.

"We're coordinating with the major contractors and we will be going out with big push to try and get people into the vintage.

"Last year we did have a lot of people who were more local."

Ms Cooper said the area also couldn't take advantage of the Pacific Seasonal Worker scheme as they needed to provide a minimum of three months work. "Vintage doesn't go that long," she said.

The shortage of working holiday visa workers and international students is also currently being felt by hospitality providers in the wine region.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley general manager Gareth Long said the company was looking for upwards of 50 staff at the moment to fill positions at the resort.

"We're definitely struggling to fill vacancies in the hospitality industry," he said.

"We have lost a number of people during the extended lockdown periods with people exploring other industries."

Mr Long said the industry has had a tough time perception-wise during the pandemic, with hotels becoming isolation units and an inability to provide consistent hours as changing travel restrictions have seen many hotels go into temporary closures.

Both Mr Long and Ms Cooper said there was also a particular difficulty at the moment finding experienced employees for more skilled roles such as chefs, beauty therapists, administrative support workers and managers.

Ms Cooper said the association had recently employed a new business development specialist, and introduced a mentoring program as well as an industry induction program to rapidly upskill new workers in their knowledge of the Hunter region.

"We've found that obviously a lot of staff had to be stood down with the lockdown," she said.

"Businesses did try to keep connected but with such an extended lockdown, people did seek work outside tourism and hospitality.

"Tourism really picked up quickly when we came out of the last lockdown, so businesses have been trying to prepare to be busy.

"We know that with some of the bigger events starting to happen again, including business events and weddings, we do need a lot of staff."

However Mr Long said the increased demand was a good thing for job seekers, with plenty of work available and more flexible options.