The Townsville Designated Area Migration Agreement (Townsville DAMA) is a regional skilled migration program designed to address workforce shortages in the Townsville region of Queensland. It provides access to a broader range of skilled and semi-skilled occupations than standard migration programs. Unlike standard skilled migration programs, the DAMA offers greater flexibility and tailored concessions to meet regional needs. These concessions include relaxed age limits and English language proficiency requirements, as well as adjustments to work experience and salary criteria.
For applicants, the Townsville DAMA offers a structured pathway to employment in regional Queensland and potential permanent residency, supporting industries such as healthcare, construction, mining, engineering, hospitality, and logistics. DAMA provides alternatives to standard skilled migration for regional applicants, making it easier for a wider range of skilled workers to qualify.
What is the Townsville QLD DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement and an agreement between the Australian Government and a designated region. DAMAs are a type of labour agreement that provide tailored migration solutions to address specific regional workforce needs. The Townsville DAMA allows endorsed employers to sponsor overseas workers for roles that cannot be filled locally.
Key features of the Townsville QLD DAMA
- Expanded occupation lists including skilled and semi-skilled roles—most occupations included benefit from special concessions
- Concessions on age, English proficiency, work experience, and salary
- PR pathway to permanent residency for eligible workers
- Tailored to meet the Townsville region’s labour market needs
The DAMA prioritises Australian workers while enabling employers to address critical skill shortages.
About the Townsville QLD DAMA
The Townsville DAMA supports workforce growth and regional development in North Queensland, specifically within the Townsville North Queensland region. Townsville Enterprise acts as the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for the DAMA, administering the agreement in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs.
For applicants in eligible regional areas covered by the DAMA, the agreement ensures:
- Access to occupations that are difficult to fill locally
- Regional-specific concessions for visa eligibility
- Opportunities for long-term employment and settlement in Townsville
Key Features of the Townsville QLD DAMA
Occupation List
Eligible occupations span multiple sectors:
- Healthcare and aged care
- Construction, trades, and engineering
- Mining and mining support services (including driller's assistant)
- Hospitality and tourism (including commercial housekeeper and commercial cleaner)
- Logistics, transport, and maintenance
- Agriculture and farming (including nut farm worker, fruit farm worker, livestock farm worker, aquaculture worker, and sugar mill worker)
- Manufacturing and processing (including chemical plant worker)
Eligibility criteria and available concessions may vary depending on the position sought.
Concessions for Applicants
- Age concessions: An 'age concession' may apply, with some roles allowing applicants up to 55 years, while others have a reduced age concession of 50 years.
- Visa requirements: The DAMA modifies standard visa requirements, offering tailored criteria and concessions for regional applicants.
- Skills assessment: A skills assessment may be required for certain occupations, with possible concessions in the qualifications or licensing process.
- Visa subclass options: Different visa subclass options, such as TSS (subclass 482), SESR (subclass 494), and ENS (subclass 186), are available under the DAMA for eligible applicants.
- English language concessions: Reduced English requirements for specific positions
- Work experience concessions: Flexibility for applicants with less than standard experience
- Salary concessions: Regionally adjusted salary thresholds compliant with Australian workplace laws
Permanent Residency Pathways
Many Skill Level 1–5 occupations under the Townsville DAMA offer pathways to permanent residency via ENS 186 or PR (Skilled Regional) 191 visas. Visa nominations are a key step in this process, as they facilitate the transition from temporary to permanent residency by matching eligible workers with approved occupation roles under the DAMA.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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How the Townsville QLD DAMA Works
Applicants cannot apply directly but should understand the employer-driven process: Employers initiate the process by completing an application form and submitting supporting documents, such as job details and evidence of labor market testing, to obtain DAR endorsement and a labor agreement. This process is based on employer sponsorship, where businesses seek to sponsor skilled and overseas talent to address regional workforce shortages. Various visa types are available under the DAMA, depending on the occupation and eligibility, including TSS, SESR, and ENS visas.
Step 1: Employer seeks DAR endorsement
Only eligible employers can apply to the Townsville DAR (Designated Area Representative) to be authorised to nominate overseas workers under the DAMA. As part of the endorsement process, employers must submit details of proposed salaries for the nominated positions to demonstrate compliance with visa requirements.
Step 2: Labour Agreement request
Once endorsed, the employer submits a Labour Agreement request to the Department of Home Affairs via ImmiAccount, providing all supporting documents. This step involves negotiating labour agreements as a formal agreement between the employer and the government, specifying occupations, number of positions, and applicable concessions.
Step 3: Nomination and visa application
After approval, the employer can nominate workers for:
Permanent residency pathways
Eligible workers may transition to:
Benefits of the Townsville QLD DAMA for Applicants
- Access to occupations in regional Australia and designated regional areas that are unavailable under standard migration programs
- Concessions for age, English, work experience, and salary
- Clear pathways to permanent residency
- The DAMA is tailored for the dama region, including the north queensland dama and other regional areas, providing targeted migration solutions for local labor shortages
- Employment in Townsville while contributing to the local economy
How Australian Migration Agents Can Support Townsville DAMA Applicants
Migration Agents assist by:
- Advising on occupation eligibility and concessions
- Guiding employers through nomination and Labour Agreement processes
- Preparing visa applications and supporting documentation
- Explaining pathways to permanent residency
- Ensuring compliance with Department of Home Affairs and DAR requirements
Professional guidance reduces errors, delays, and increases the likelihood of a smooth migration pathway.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which areas are covered by the Townsville QLD DAMA?
The Townsville DAMA applies to the Townsville region, including Townsville city, Thuringowa, Charters Towers Region, and surrounding areas in Northern Queensland.
2. Which visas can Townsville DAMA applicants access?
Eligible applicants may be nominated for SID 482, TSS 482, or SESR 494 visas, with permanent residency pathways via ENS 186 or PR (Skilled Regional) 191 visas.
3. Can individuals apply directly for the Townsville DAMA?
No. Only endorsed employers can nominate overseas workers.
4. Are age and English concessions available?
Yes. Concessions vary depending on occupation and regional demand.
5. Does the Townsville DAMA lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Many occupations under the Townsville DAMA provide structured pathways to permanent residency via ENS 186 or PR (Skilled Regional) 191 visas.
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