Confirmation of 2 key tenants is a tangible step towards the vision to develop CQUniversity Mackay into a Knowledge Village....

That is according to Head of Campus Dr Trevor Davison who was commenting on this week's (Aug 26) MOU confirming that a $46 million Mackay TAFE Trade Training Centre will be built alongside the proposed $4.5 million Mackay School Trade Training Centre in the campus precinct.

Professor Bowman and Minister Wilson sign up for the tenancy. Photos by www.dwphoto.com.au

"The presence of these key tenants will allow for all kinds of exciting partnerships and opportunities for all staff and all students," Dr Davison said.

"The resultant buzz of the campus and its possibilities will attract more partners and tenants, leading to the full development of the Knowledge Village across the 42 hectare campus grounds." 

Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson and CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman signed the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) in Mackay on Wednesday.

The Queensland Government has revealed it will buy 6 hectares of land to house the Mackay TAFE Trade Training Centre alongside CQUniversity Mackay.

"The flexible, multi-purpose facility will be built next to the University and form part of a school, vocational training and higher education hub -  the Mackay Knowledge Village," Premier Anna Bligh said.

Minister Wilson explains the vision. Photos by www.dwphoto.com.au

"This new TAFE Trade Training Centre will boost the skills of Central Queenslanders while creating and supporting local jobs. Central Queensland's mining industry will be well served by the centre.

"Its co-location with the University is strongly supported by industry and the community because of the training and education synergies and advantages.

"It will modernise the way trade and technician training is delivered in Central Queensland to ensure students, who can train close to home, have work-ready skills and employers can maintain efficiency." 

Professor Bowman commented on the vision to bring together a variety of educational institutions, research groups and community organisations to develop a range of learning pathways, to provide a ‘one-stop-shop' for employers with specific education and training needs and to create commercial partnerships in mutual research and commercial interests.

The Vice-Chancellor said he was excited by the range of opportunities provided by the tangible partnerships involved and the ‘power of place' the campus represented.

"This occasion signifies a bright future for Mackay and I look forward to the University continuing to be actively engaged with the local and broader community through its own initiatives and in partnership with TAFE, schools, RTOs, business and industry."

LINK here to some more comments from the Vice-Chancellor

Mr Wilson said a purpose-built trade training centre for the Mackay region was a key infrastructure component of the Government's $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan.

"Work is due to start on the centre early next year, with all buildings and facilities expected to be completed in early 2011," he said.

Dr Trevor Davison eyes the future. Photos by www.dwphoto.com.au

"The centre will deliver training in the automotive, engineering, building and construction, plumbing, and electrical trades."

The $4.5 million, Federal Government-funded Mackay School Trade Training Centre will also be built at the hub to further improve school-based links with TAFE and CQUniversity.