The new $7 million Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence has officially opened its doors to students and industry in what will be a game changer for the region’s mining sector.
State Development Minister Kate Jones said the one-of-a-kind facility in Queensland featured an Underground Simulator Mining Facility, control room, workshop, laboratory, and classrooms.
“This is about creating jobs and ensuring locals have the training they need to fill them,” Ms Jones said.
“The government has a clear strategy to rebuild Queensland’s economy and save jobs. Projects like this are vital to that strategy.”
Assistant Minister for Treasury and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the coal mine simulator spanned more than 6800 square metres and replicated the physical conditions of working underground.
“This centre will give locals some of the best training in the world to prepare for a career in the resources sector,” she said.
“The Centre will provide safer and more accelerated training options for students and apprentices, and support companies developing new products and researching the field.
“It’s infrastructure like that will attract more private sector investment and create new jobs.”
State Development Minister Kate Jones said the delivery of the project was supported through the Palaszczuk Government’s $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
“Queensland is a well-known global leader in the development of mining equipment, technology and services,” Ms Jones said.
“This facility will strengthen that reputation as we rebuild the state’s economy and continue to create jobs.”
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said Fergus Builders commenced the construction on council land in September 2019 and the facility will be completed within the next two weeks, within budget and on time.
“This project has supported 22 direct and indirect jobs both onsite and through the supply chain,” Mayor Williamson said.
“This is a great example of council working together with state government and industry to deliver what will become a key landmark for Mackay.”
BMA Asset President, James Palmer, said BMA is proud to support the Resources Centre of Excellence.
“It is a world-class facility that will drive innovation in the mining and METS sector across the entire region,” said Mr Palmer.
“The collaborative nature of the RCOE will mean that the brightest minds can connect with this experience to drive innovation and growth, critically as we all turn our attention to Queensland’s economic recovery.
“We want to see people have the best skills and training in the world and we want them to be proud to say it all started for them in regional Queensland.”
The Palaszczuk Government’s plan for economic recovery: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, can be viewed here.
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said Mackay was an ideal location for a mining excellence centre given its proximity to our high quality coal fields and concentration of industry expertise and METS companies.
“The world wants our resources, so we need the skilled workforce to make sure we can take advantage of the global demand. This centre along with our education arm the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) will help equip the next crop of resource workers with the right skills,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“QMEA is a partnership between the resources sector and the Queensland Government under the Gateway to Industries School Program. Currently sitting at 75 schools, QMEA is expanding its network in Mackay with more schools to be onboarded in coming months.”
