{"id":228581,"date":"2019-02-15T00:22:30","date_gmt":"2019-02-14T14:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=228581"},"modified":"2019-02-15T00:25:23","modified_gmt":"2019-02-14T14:25:23","slug":"agforce-chief-to-oversee-qatc-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2019\/02\/15\/agforce-chief-to-oversee-qatc-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"Former AgForce Chief
To Oversee QATC Changes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>
Former AgForce CEO
Charles Burke<\/figcaption><\/figure>February 14, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Former AgForce CEO Charles Burke has been appointed to oversee the transition of Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges (QATC).<\/p>\n

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said Mr Burke would bring significant industry experience to bear in guiding the transition.<\/p>\n

“Charles Burke will spend time in Longreach and Emerald working with local stakeholders as we reinvigorate vocational education, training and skilling in the state\u2019s central west,” Mr Furner said.<\/p>\n

Mr Burke spent five years as CEO in a total of 16 years with AgForce, including stints as vice president, treasurer, state councillor and chairing several committees.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He also served as vice president of the National Farmers Federation.<\/p>\n

Mr Furner expected the project management office would “hit the ground running” under Mr Burke.<\/p>\n

He said the focus would be on good outcomes for communities and diverse and flexible agricultural training opportunities for students.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo staff will be based full-time in Longreach and one in Emerald, however all officers will spend significant time in the region working with QATC, local government, other stakeholders and the community,\u201d Mr Furner said.<\/p>\n

This would involve identifying economic development opportunities and ensuring the best use of QATC\u2019s facilities.<\/p>\n

“Throughout this process, every current student will still be able to complete their qualification or studies at QATC, or through a supported transition to another training provider,” he said.<\/p>\n

“Where possible, QATC staff will be redeployed or supported in finding alternative employment or training.”<\/p>\n

Mr Furner said $30 million was being invested in QATC’s modernisation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It follows an independent review of the agricultural training colleges by Professor Peter Coaldrake, who found there was declining demand for traditional agricultural training.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Queensland Government recognises we must move to a more modern, cost-effective training model,\u201d Mr Furner said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have started discussions with vocational education and training providers and commercial interests to develop a plan for better use of the QATC\u2019s college facilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are valuable assets and they need to be used more effectively. We want to make sure that they are available to support a range of training, not limited to agricultural. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis does not include using the sites as correctional facilities or refugee settlement centres as has been incorrectly reported. <\/p>\n

\u201cI would urge those with an interest in the QATC to take the time to actually read the Coaldrake Review and what is proposed.\u201d<\/p>\n

More than $30 million will be invested in ther transition, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n