GOVT TO UNVEIL INGHAM TAFE PLANS

Training and Industrial Relations Minister Santo Santoro will tomorrow (Tues 9 June) unveil plans for a joint Ingham TAFE Centre and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Library.

The project illustrate's the Coalition Government's confidence in the future of Ingham, said Mr Santoro.

"The Coalition has committed $3.4 million to construct the new TAFE facility in Ingham's central business district," he said.

"It's a confidence shared by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council which has demonstrated its support by funding the remainder of the project in cash and kind."

Construction is expected to begin in July and the completed centre should open in April 1999.

"This partnership is an excellent example of the Coalition Government working with communities and industry to improve the skills of Queensland's workforce," said Mr Santoro.

The centrally-located TAFE training institution will have state-of-the-art technology including Internet training through TAFE On-Line .

Facilities will include electronic and audio-visual equipment, a modern library, an art and exhibition area and a convenient community meeting room.

"Relocating Ingham's TAFE campus, from the Catholic Church and presbytery in Abbot Street to the CBD, will give students easy access to training facilities and to community services such as child care and transport," said Mr Santoro.

Strategic alliances are being established with local schools and industry to give students practical work experience and increase their awareness of career options.

"The new centre highlights the Coalition Government's commitment to jobs growth through training -- especially in rural and regional Queensland," said Mr Santoro.