- A new $11.8 million TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence has officially opened at Coomera – supporting jobs in the Gold Coast's thriving marine sector.
- The facility includes workshops for electrical and mechanical work, fibre glass and lamination, marine textiles and upholstery, and an outdoor boat workshop, welding facilities and more.
- Almost 400 students have enrolled in marine construction, maintenance and related services at the new centre in 2023.
Construction of the new centre is estimated to have supported more than 31 full-time jobs – with 60 per cent of the work completed by apprentices.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments as part of the Revitalising TAFE Campuses across Australia initiative.
The TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence at Coomera will train up to 500 students each year in a range of qualifications from Marine Craft Construction to Marine Mechanical Technology.
The state-of-the-art facility includes workshops for electrical and mechanical work, fibre glass and lamination, marine textiles and upholstery, and an outdoor boat workshop, welding facilities, as well as classrooms and computer rooms.
The Marine Centre of Excellence is strategically located close to the Gold Coast City Marina and will support the continued growth of Queensland's superyacht industry.
Underpinned by the Queensland Superyacht Strategy, the Queensland Government aims to grow Queensland's share of the Australian superyacht sector to 90% by 2028.
We have invested about $52 million into four new or upgraded TAFE Queensland Facilities on the Gold Coast, including the New Robina TAFE Campus, the $10M Southport Nursing Hub Upgrade, and the New Trades Training Hub at TAFE Ashmore.
Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor:
"Jobs in the marine sector are vital for Queensland and this new centre will ensure the region has a sufficiently skilled workforce for the future.
"The previous federal government left one of the worst skills shortages in recent history, with skills deficits right across the economy – I'm glad to say we are working very productively with states and territories to fix that.
"I want to thank the Queensland Government for working co-operatively with the Commonwealth to build a strong vocational education and training sector, especially through TAFE."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:
"With Queensland boasting an extensive network of 21 ports and more than 6,900 kilometres of coastline, our maritime sector plays a critical role – keeping the local economy afloat and on course.
"That's why the Queensland Government is invested in the future maritime workforce and is delivering state-of-the-art training infrastructure to cater for the industry's needs.
"The Coomera TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence will equip up to 500 students each year with the skills they need to cater for every facet of the marine industry – from marine technology, to boat building, maintenance and repair.
"Earlier this year, the centre's outstanding design by Kane Constructions Queensland was recognised at the 2023 Gold Coast Master Builders Awards.
"I know students trained at this facility will also experience success, by responding to workforce challenges and catering for operators of all sizes – whether they be small, local marine companies or the manufacturers of luxury superyachts.
"With today's official opening, we can be buoyant about the bright future of Queensland's marine sector."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon:
"We're investing in free TAFE and apprenticeships, as well as new and better TAFE facilities right across our city.
"More than 12,600 students were enrolled in TAFE on the Gold Coast last financial year, and this new centre will hopefully see that number grow.
"The Palaszczuk Government has invested millions into TAFE infrastructure of the Gold Coast, including $50 million in upgrades at our Ashmore and Southport campuses, $10 million for the Robina campus, and now $12 million for this new marine facility in Coomera."
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
- As part of the 'Revitalising TAFE Campuses Across Australia' initiative, $5.372 million was provided by the Federal Government for Coomera Marine Centre of Excellence, with the remainder of the $11.8 million funded by the State Government.
- From 2017-18 to 2022-23, the Queensland Government has invested over $288 million in building new and upgrading existing training facilities across the state, including around $59.8 million invested in TAFE infrastructure on the Gold Coast.
- Equipping TAFE for our Future:
New Robina TAFE Campus $10M Grant
- Advancing our TAFE Infrastructure:
Southport – Nursing Upgrade $10M
Ashmore – New Trades Training Building, Refurbished B Block and Student Hub $20M
- Revitalising our TAFE campuses:
Ashmore – New Plumbing Trades Training Tower - $6.14M
Coomera Marine Centre of Excellence ($11.8M incl. $5.37M Federal Funding)
