Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence Opens
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, who joined Assistant Minister for Treasury and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson to cut the ribbon, said the one-of-a-kind facility 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.”
Mayor Williamson said Fergus Builders commenced the construction on council land in September 2019 and the facility was completed within budget and on time
This project has supported 22 direct and indirect jobs both onsite and through the supply chain,” he 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.”
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.
BMA Asset president James Palmer said BMA was 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 Resources Centre of Excellence was jointly funded by the State Government and council.
It is being operated by the Resource Industry Network (RIN).
