Prime Minister Scott Morrison turned the first sod on Central Queensland University’s School of Advanced Manufacturing building, which is expected to create more than 330 local jobs and inject millions of dollars into the local economy.
The $13.5 million Commonwealth Government-funded project will be complemented by a School of Mining at CQUniversity’s Rockhampton North campus, with construction set to commence on that site in the coming weeks. The Federal Government has committed $30 million towards construction of both Schools with CQUniversity to contribute an additional $7 million.
Member for Flynn, Ken O’Dowd, who attended the sod turning ceremony alongside the Prime Minister and CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp, said the project will seek to turbocharge advanced manufacturing capability in the region.
“Construction of the CQUniversity Schools of Mining and Advanced Manufacturing will create an estimated 311 local jobs in Central Queensland, including 114 in Gladstone,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“Manufacturing supports thousands of jobs in the region and in the longer term, this new facility in Gladstone will further support Queenslanders to get an education that leads to a career in the manufacturing industry.
“This is a major win for Gladstone, Rockhampton and the broader Central Queensland region, with both Schools to deliver world class facilities, resources, and technology to support the education of the workforces of tomorrow.”
Professor Nick Klomp said the University was committed to investing in the new Schools of Mining and Advanced Manufacturing, to benefit the communities that rely on these industries.
“Mining remains a critical industry for Central Queensland, while advanced manufacturing is a clear growth opportunity for the region’s future, with Gladstone positioned front and centre to take advantage of this,” Mr Klomp said.
“Establishing the School of Manufacturing in Gladstone will allow CQUniversity to develop the region’s future manufacturing workforce, enhance our manufacturing research expertise, and support the manufacturing sector as it primes for future growth.
“By developing this facility, we are actively building our capacity to service industry, locally, in areas such as advanced instrumentation and process manufacturing training, advanced welding and manufacturing, and the emerging hydrogen industry,” Professor Klomp said.
Both facilities will be constructed by?Queensland’s FDC Construction and Fitout, with the Gladstone School of Advanced Manufacturing to be completed and operational by February 2022.
