November 30, 2012
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says she has lobbied both Agriculture Minister John McVeigh and Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek over the future of the local TAFE campus in Kingaroy.
Rumours were being spread on Facebook yesterday that the axe was about to fall on the local Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE campus in Kingaroy.
However last night’s announcement about closures did not mention either Kingaroy or the Nurunderi campus at Cherbourg which means it will be business as usual in 2013.
Earlier Mrs Frecklington told southburnett.com.au the State Government was considering recommendations made by an independent taskforce.
“However, you can be assured I have always promoted the strengths and advantages of our local SQIT campus as I believe it is an excellent facility which offers so much to our community,” she said.
“I have lobbied both the Agriculture Minister and Education Minister in regards to the advantages of the SQIT campus.”
The State Government announced last night that a total of 25 TAFE properties across Queensland would be either progressed for sale, occupancy arrangements finalised or transferred.
Five of these campuses are currently on the market; three are not being used by students and are no longer fit for purpose; five are vacant holdings and 12 will be transferred to the Central Queensland University.
Five campuses currently on the market will remain for sale: Chelmer, Garbutt (under contract), Townsville City, Ipswich City and Bolsover Street (Rockhampton).
Three campuses not being used by students will be sold including Cordelia Street (South Brisbane), Mareeba Farm and Springwood.
Five vacant campuses, including two parcels of vacant land, will also be progressed for sale: North Lakes (vacant land), Cleveland (vacant land), Manning Street, Bundaberg Marine and Windsor Road, Nambour.
A further 12 campuses will be transferred as part of the merger of Central Queensland Institute of TAFE and Central Queensland University, subject to final approval of the merger: Biloela, Canning St (Rockhampton), Clermont, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay City, Yeppoon, Barcaldine, Blackwater, Boyne Island, Moranbah, Ooralea (Mackay Trade Training Centre).
All other operating TAFE Queensland campuses will be open for business in 2013.
A spokesperson for Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said a decision on any other closures or changes would be made by the end of next year but would not occur without a lot of consultations with the affected communities.
Mr Langbroek said the Taskforce Report highlighted systemic problems in TAFE and “the need for urgent action to ensure this vital public provider thrives in the future”.
“Our goal is to increase participation in training in order to boost Queensland’s productivity and stimulate economic growth,” Mr Langbroek said.
“This can’t be achieved unless we modernise TAFE facilities and free up institutions to offer more flexible learning by overhauling industrial arrangements.”
Mr Langbroek said the government agreed with the Taskforce’s recommendation that TAFE buildings could not continue to be utilised only 40 per cent of the time.
“That is why the government’s response proposes the sale of 13 empty premises that are currently stripping money from viable campuses and their students,” he said.
“We also undertake to look at the viability of all campuses because we would prefer students to learn in state-of-the-art facilities than ageing, crumbling relics.”
The State Government will release a five-year detailed implementation plan for skills and training in the first half of 2013.
