New Capricorn Coast TAFE campus officially opens

The new $2.75 million Capricorn Coast campus of the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE was officially opened today.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the project represented a significant ongoing State Government investment in education and training and a vote of confidence in the future of the fast-growing Capricorn Coast region.

“Almost 200 students, ranging from high school to mature-aged, are enrolled at this state-of-the-art campus and enrolments are expected to more than double next year,” Mr Welford said.

“The campus serves the coastal region from Emu Park to Yeppoon and as far inland as Cawarral and courses to be offered next year have been designed to align with local community and industry needs.

“To train a workforce to serve the local grazing, pineapple production, fishing and forestry industries, the Yeppoon campus will offer horticulture and rural industries courses in conservation and land management.

“The region also has a growing reputation as a tourist destination and there are currently 18 students enrolled in the campus hospitality course.”

Mr Welford said the Capricorn Coast campus was already helping address the skills shortages in industries such as aged care and plumbing.

“The campus videoconferencing equipment enables students to ‘link up’ with other Central Queensland TAFE campuses and access a wider range of courses.

“Local plumbing apprentices can access their teacher, based at the Mackay campus – through videoconferencing and complete all theory components of their training through this new Capricorn Coast campus.

The State Government contributed more than $1.65 million towards the new environmentally friendly campus and the Federal Government’s contribution was $1.1 million.

Member for Keppel, Paul Hoolihan, said the new campus would play a valuable role in addressing skills shortages in the area.

“This new state-of-the-art campus is a wonderful asset for the Yeppoon community,” Mr Hoolihan said.

“I look forward to seeing the campus turn out more skilled workers for our local community.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000