Finishing touches being put on Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence

Published: 11 Jun 2020

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has this morning inspected the finishing touches at the $7 million Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence.

The centre, jointly funded by the State Government and council, is a strategic investment in job creation for the resources sector, and the region.

The Treasurer said Queensland’s plan to recover from the global coronavirus pandemic put traditional industries like the resources sector front and centre.

“Since 2015, the Palaszczuk Government has facilitated more than $20 billion of new investment in the resources sector,’’ he said.

“Making sure we have a skilled workforce to take advantage of these opportunities is an important part of Queensland’s road to recovery from the global coronavirus pandemic.

“This Centre of Excellence will ensure that the Mackay region remains one of the world’s best sources for mining expertise and innovation in the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector.

“Featuring a simulated underground coal mine for training and research, including emergency response, the centre will provide training and education, biomedical research, product innovation and demonstration and help to create the jobs and skills of the future.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting that this innovative facility was about to be completed on budget and on time.

“Local construction company Fergus Builders have been hard at work on the construction of an administration building, workshop and laboratory, including landscaping and utilities and its fantastic to see this state-of-the-art facility come out of the ground,” he said.

“This project is a great example of council working together with State Government and industry to deliver what will become a key landmark for Mackay as an international METS hub.

“We have the expertise of the Resource Industry Network to operate the centre and they will be actively showcasing the capabilities of the facility to international audiences at resource sector events and conferences when they recommence.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said construction of the centre had created around 22 direct and indirect jobs.

“Importantly, the centre will create enormous opportunities for local apprentices to further develop their skills, cementing the region as the hub for resources in Queensland,’’ she said.

“It will provide a hands-on training facility akin to a ‘living lab’ environment for industry training providers and private METS companies.

“This is about growing and creating more jobs through innovation and research in a well-established industry.”

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