The Federal Government will provide $5 million of funding for a $9 million Mining Simulator Research, Development and Training Centre at Central Queensland University’s Mackay campus.
Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile said the funding would make Mackay a world leader in safe, high-tech mining training and credited Member for Dawnson De-Anne Kelly MP for harnessing the forward-looking minds of CQU and the Mining Industry Skills Centre to put Mackay on the world stage as an exporter of mining know-how.
CQU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Jennelle Kyd said: “This is a great new partnership for the University that will make a major contribution to the region and to the growth of the University at Mackay.”
“In addition to the simulation training, this partnership provides a major opportunity for the University to work with the industry sector in the development of new simulation products and the University will be engaging with the Mining Industry Skills Centre in a range of research programs.
“Effective training is an important part of all industry sectors and with the significant growth in the region associated with the mining and resource sector, this is a very important development for the Central Queensland region and we very much appreciate the Government’s support of this initiative for our region.”
Mrs Kelly said the new simulator training will allow people wanting a career in mining to get safe simulator training – training which is normally only used for pilot training and not usually accessible outside Brisbane.
“We all know that Mackay’s economy is now dependent on mining, but locals have not always seen the benefits and this project will allow more people to upgrade their skills right here in Mackay. I am grateful to Mark Vaile and the Coalition Government for joining the mining industry and CQU in recognising the merit in this proposal,” Mrs Kelly said.