December 6, 2024
The State Government has stepped in to support the Queensland College of Wine Tourism after the college’s partnership with the University of Southern Queensland ended.
The College of Wine and Tourism has been operating since 2007 and delivers accredited training in Hospitality, Wine Industry Operations and Commercial Cookery, and provides short-course training programs to support skills across the wine tourism industry.
A State Government spokesperson said the Granite Belt and Southern Burnett wine regions relied heavily on the training provided by the College to support skilled workers across vineyards and wineries.
The spokesperson said the State Government would provide support to keep the college operating as it seeks a new operator and works with local industry, business and schools to establish ongoing partnerships.
The government will open an “Expression of Interest” process in January to identify options to add value to the region and community and secure a sustainable funding stream.
Employment Minister Ros Bates said the Crisafulli Government had taken urgent steps to save the college after Labor left it without a future.
“We will keep the college operating while a new operator can be appointed. The jobs of those working at the college will be safe,” Minister Bates said.
“The restaurant and function centre are a critical part of the lifeblood of the community, delivering tourism and hospitality services to Stanthorpe and we will ensure this continues while a future model is determined.”
The expression of interest will run alongside a broader community consultation to identify viable future operating scenarios at the site.
New arrangements for the Queensland College of Wine Tourism are expected to be formalised by mid-2025.
