Construction begins on Big Build $40 million Eagle Farm TAFE Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre

• Work has started on the Palaszczuk Government’s new Big Build project at Eagle Farm TAFE - a state-of-the-art $40 million Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre (RAMC)
• The facility will include specialised robotics, hydrogen, renewable energy and electrotechnology workshops, digital labs, learning areas, and staff and student amenities.
• 93 jobs will be supported during the construction phase with the new building expected to be completed in late 2024.
• The Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre is funded under the Government’s $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future (ETFOF) initiative, which is building and refurbishing TAFE infrastructure to deliver training in new, emerging and growth industries.

The new Big Build $40 million Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre at Eagle Farm TAFE will train and upskill Queensland’s manufacturing workforce to embrace automation and Industry 4.0, Queensland Government’s initiatives for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Forecast for practical completion in late 2024, the Centre will improve specialised training in robotics, advanced manufacturing, process instrumentation, renewable technologies (hydrogen and solar) and telecommunications.

It showcases the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to providing sustainable and future-proof training facilities. The Centre is targeting a 5 Star Green Buildings rating which demonstrates Australian excellence in its design and construction.

It caters for the increased demand for Advanced Manufacturing skills and training.  The Advanced Manufacturing Gateway to Industry Schools (GISP) program has grown from seven participating schools in 2017 to 46 participating schools in 2023 – achieving its target number of participating schools for 2023.

In 2022, more than 2200 students participated in GISP advanced manufacturing-related activities.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:

“The Eagle Farm TAFE campus specialises in trade-related courses such as automation, instrumentation and control, renewables, plumbing and electrotechnology, telecommunication, and utilities.

“Today this Big Build project takes us one step closer to ushering in an exciting new era for robotics and advanced manufacturing training in south-east Queensland.

“With this new investment, our future Advanced Manufacturing workforce will receive the best training in a high-tech, supportive environment and will gain the necessary skills to take on high-value jobs – in the lab, and on the production line.”

“Young Queenslanders who first started exploring STEM in primary school are now of an age where they’re seeking careers in Industry 4.0 and the new facility is our response to the escalating demand for training in robotics and advanced manufacturing. We want Queensland to be at the forefront of the revolution already underway in the manufacturing sector, which is all about providing sustainable jobs while improving cost, productivity, profitability and operations.

“Today’s sod-turning is the latest in a string of TAFE infrastructure milestones in 2023 – which includes construction commencing on new Advanced Manufacturing Skills Labs at Cairns TAFE and TAFE Queensland’s Bohle Campus in Townsville.

“We’re prioritising training in traditional and emerging industries like robotics and advanced manufacturing through the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022 – 2032.

“We hope this strategic investment encourages more women to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing – backed by the Women in Manufacturing Strategy.”

Quotes attributable to Manufacturing Skills Queensland CEO Rebecca Andrews

“Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) has been established by this government to future proof Queensland Manufacturing sector.  

“Through collaborating with our stakeholders, including jobseekers, apprentices, workers, unions, and businesses - MSQ will deliver best-practice programs, investments, partnerships and research to support a thriving, diverse and skilled manufacturing industry for all of Queensland. 

“The foresight and investment behind the Eagle Farm TAFE Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre is critical for industry futures and MSQ looks forward to working with industry and TAFE Queensland towards delivering our shared goals.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

• Manufacturing worth $20 billion per year to the Queensland economy and is c the third-largest employer of full-time workers – expected to grow to 178,000 by 2024-25.  
• For more information on the facilities and availability of courses at Eagle Farm TAFE campus, please visit Eagle Farm Campus Location & Courses | TAFE Queensland (tafeqld.edu.au)

Media contact – Gary Shipway 0458 090 906