Manufacturing school to be built in Gladstone

An advanced manufacturing education hub to be built in Gladstone will attract students to the region and inject millions of dollars into the local economy.

The Coalition Government has today announced that FDC Construction and Fitout (QLD) Pty Ltd has been awarded $13.5 million to build the CQUniversity School of Manufacturing at the Gladstone Marina campus.

Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said work would begin on site in January 2021, and the centre was expected to be operational by February 2022.

"Construction of the new CQUniversity School of Mining and Manufacturing will create an estimated 311 local jobs, including 114 in Gladstone, and inject millions of dollars into the Flynn economy," Mr O’Dowd said.

"Thousands of Flynn residents work in the manufacturing sector or in jobs that support the sector so we know how important manufacturing jobs are to the region. The new school will support Queenslanders to get an education that leads to a career in the manufacturing industry."

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said a further $23.5 million was being used to construct a CQU School of Mining campus in North Rockhampton.

"The Government will provide $30 million towards construction of both facilities, with CQUniversity providing $7 million as part of the CQUniversity School of Mining and Manufacturing project," Mr Tehan said.

"This project will deliver world-class facilities and technology in the Gladstone and Rockhampton regions, support the education of the workforces of tomorrow, and drive future economic growth as we recover from COVID-19.

"The new buildings will incorporate emerging technologies like virtual reality, drone operations and 3D printing, to teach skills in critical disciplines like metal fabrication, gas processing and machine fitting."

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said the new School of Mining and Manufacturing would support future skills needed in those sectors.

"Mining and manufacturing will be critical to regional Queensland’s recovery in the years to come. I’m therefore thrilled that the CQUniversity School of Mining and Manufacturing is now a step closer with the awarding of this construction contract," Professor Klomp said.

"Mining remains a critical industry for Central Queensland, while advanced manufacturing is a clear growth opportunity for the region’s future.

"These facilities will also provide the setting for engaged industry research that will advance mining and manufacturing in the Central Queensland region."