- The Palaszczuk Government will invest $16 million to expand the TAFE Queensland Cairns Great Barrier Reef International Marine College.
- TAFE Queensland and the College will partner with Maritime Safety Queensland to offer a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) which has until now only been available in Tasmania, Newcastle and Perth.
- The expansion will help TAFE Queensland to deliver new training opportunities and will include an additional 2,675m² for a new workshop, additional classrooms, staff facilities, and a boat shed.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced a $16 million investment to expand the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College in Cairns to deliver world-class maritime training.
The investment, which is part of the upcoming 2023-24 Queensland Budget, will support the 2,675m² extension to the existing facility, to include a new workshop, additional classrooms, offices and staff facilities, and a new boat shed.
The expansion of the college will be delivered by Queensland's very own construction arm, QBuild, and will support up to 37 jobs during the construction phase and a legacy of training opportunities for the region.
Construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024 and be completed in mid-2025.
Complementing the funding announcement, the Cairns Great Barrier Reef International Marine College will partner with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and TAFE Queensland to make Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) available in Queensland for the first time ever.
An Integrated Rating ticket is an entry level certificate enabling people to work in the industry and one that needs to be revalidated every five years. Until now it has only been available in Tasmania, Newcastle and Perth which comes at a big cost for any employer or employee who is wanting to enter the industry.
A lifeboat and DAVIT system, which are essential pieces of equipment needed to deliver the training, have been gifted by the Australian Navy, via the Australian Maritime Union.
It is anticipated that the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) will be offered in 2024.
The training program is made possible by the $21 million Backing Queensland Maritime Jobs – a key election commitment from the Palaszczuk Government to build the maritime industry through more training, jobs and shipping routes.
Quotes attributable to the Premier:
"Today's announcement is about more than bricks and mortar – it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering world-class education and training in the regions," the Premier said.
"This is about supporting and growing a vital Queensland sector, and ensuring these workers have every opportunity to participate in a locally-delivered, critical training program
"That means good people getting into good jobs and this $16 million investment will do just that."
Quotes attributable to Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:
"Queensland's economy continues to lead the nation, with the largest jobs growth since pre-COVID-19 and low regional unemployment including Cairns (4.2 per cent).
"This 2023-24 Budget investment is part of an ongoing commitment to drive high value jobs, particularly across our mighty regions.
"Investing in traditional and emerging industries such as Defence will drive our State's competitive advantage and attract new investment."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey:
"It's incredible to see the Palaszczuk Government's investment already paying off with, as new workers enter the industry.
"We set out to foster a sustainable Queensland maritime workforce and support more jobs here on Queensland shores.
"I am proud that our government can work alongside the Maritime Union Australia to deliver the critical training the industry has been crying out for."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Employment and Skills Development and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:
"The Great Barrier Reef International Marine College is already a major training destination for people looking to enter the maritime industry, refresh training or upskill.
"Upgraded and extended infrastructure at this facility will attract new students and ensure there is capacity to upskill the existing maritime workforce.
"By investing in training and jobs, we can ensure our maritime industry is sustainable and competitive well into the future – keeping good jobs and critical services afloat."
Quotes attributable to local MP Michael Healy:
"This expansion of TAFE Queensland's Great Barrier Reef International Marine College will be invaluable for the young people of Cairns.
"With significant investment of both state and federal governments into our marine precinct real and sustainable career pathways are available for the young people of Cairns, and it continues the diversification of our economy."
Quotes attributable to local MP Craig Crawford:
"Cairns is home to one of Australia's most strategically-important Ports – welcoming cruise tourists, undertaking ship repair and maintenance, and exporting premium Queensland products and produce to the world.
"Encouraging careers in the maritime industry is key to the continued progress and prosperity of the region."
Quotes attributable to local MP Curtis Pitt:
"I know this new commitment will be welcomed across the Far North.
"I'm sure it will inspire more young people to explore an exciting and lucrative career working along the coast, and on the water."
Quotes attributable to Jason Miners, Maritime Union Australia's Queensland Branch Secretary:
"This investment by the Palaszczuk Government will strengthen and grow the domestic maritime industry, creating good secure jobs for Queenslanders.
"As we have seen with the cost of living pressures, it's critical to secure supply chains and a strong maritime industry can help to ensure that by reducing our reliance on overseas goods.
"This is a great boost for local jobs here in Cairns. The MUA, along with industry, identified critical skills shortages and we thank the Palaszczuk Government for their commitment to addressing this."
