- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on what it promised and has secured land for a new $78 million TAFE Centre of Excellence in Caloundra, focused on construction and allied trades.
- Part of the Crisafulli Government's $201.1 million commitment to build four Centres of Excellence across Queensland and tackle Labor's skills shortage.
- Queenslanders have now seen 10 months of delivering under the Crisafulli Government to build a pipeline of skilled workers, after 10 years of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering the infrastructure Queensland needs to train the skilled workforce of tomorrow, by securing land for the new $78 million Caloundra TAFE Centre of Excellence.
This major investment will deliver a purpose-built training hub for construction and allied trades, helping meet the growing demand for housing and infrastructure across South East Queensland.
The former Labor Government presided over a decade of decline, failing to plan for the skilled workforce Queensland needs.
Under Labor, trade training facilities lagged behind population growth, and regions like the Sunshine Coast were left without the infrastructure to meet demand.
Queenslanders have seen 10 months of delivering under the Crisafulli Government to build a pipeline of skilled workers, and the investment in the Caloundra TAFE Centre of Excellence is just another example.
The Centre is part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to tackle the Labor's skills shortage, support regional growth, and ensure Queensland is ready to deliver the homes, roads, and venues needed ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The new Centre will be built within the Sunshine Coast Industrial Park, strategically positioned just north of Aura, one of Australia's biggest master-planned communities - helping to serve the region's growing demand for skilled trades training.
The multi-level facility will include advanced classrooms and workshops for carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and other high-demand trades.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the project reflected the Crisafulli Government's focus on unlocking development-ready land in key growth areas.
"Labor spent a decade talking about growth but never delivered the infrastructure to support it. After just ten months, the Crisafulli Government has unlocked land, invested in training, and is getting on with the job of building Queensland's future," Mr Bleijie said.
"Economic Development Queensland is driving major precincts across the Sunshine Coast, Gladstone, and Mount Isa to ensure communities have access to critical services and jobs close to home."
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, said the project is a key election commitment and would ensure Queenslanders have access to high-quality training close to home.
"The Caloundra TAFE Centre of Excellence will train thousands of new tradies from 2028, helping deliver more homes, more infrastructure, and preparing Queensland for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games," Minister Bates said.
"Labor presided over a skills shortage, allowing the skills gap to widen while demand for housing and infrastructure soared. We're reversing a decade of neglect, and we are delivering the training facilities Queensland needs to build the homes, roads and venues of tomorrow."
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the new Centre of Excellence would be a game-changer for young people and local employers.
"This is a win for Caloundra. We're delivering a world-class training facility that will give young locals the skills they need to build successful careers, right here at home," Ms Morton said.
"Small businesses across Caloundra are crying out for skilled workers. This project is about delivering for our local economy, supporting employers, and making sure we have the workforce to keep building our community."
