Uncorking Potential for Queensland College of Wine Tourism Site
- The Crisafulli Government has today opened Expressions of Interest to operate the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.
- The Crisafulli Government stepped in to save the college and protect more than 20 jobs after the former Government failed to plan for the future of the College.
- Expressions of interest will call for proposals for ongoing operating models that focus on delivering region and community benefits, creating a sustainable future for the site and supporting local jobs.
- Industries and entrepreneurs of the Southern Downs region are invited to complete an Expression of Interest by Sunday 9 March 2025.
The Crisafulli Government is inviting new and exciting opportunities to pour in, with the Expression of Interest process now open for the future operations of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.
The College, which was financially abandoned by the Labor Government, faced imminent closure until the Crisafulli Government stepped in, saving more than 20 jobs.
Queensland's wine regions rely heavily on the training provided at the College, and the restaurant and function centre are a critical part of the lifeblood of the local community, delivering tourism and hospitality service to Stanthorpe.
The Crisafulli Government has provided a lifeline to rescue the College and is now focused on creating a sustainable future, calling for expressions of interest to permanently operate the College.
The University of Southern Queensland will continue to operate the College through the Expression of Interest process. The Department of Trade, Employment and Training is also working alongside stakeholders, including TAFE Queensland and Stanthorpe State High School, to ensure existing students can continue their training.
The Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the Crisafulli Government is inviting interested parties to submit an Expression of Interest with new and exciting opportunities for the site.
"This community, local industries and entrepreneurs are best placed to determine what this region needs, and we committed to finding new operators of the site in 2025, which remains of great benefit to the region," Minister Bates said.
"We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the College has a sustainable future, without the need for ongoing financial aid.
"The college would have collapsed had our government not stepped in before Christmas to ensure more than 20 employees didn't lose their jobs because, sadly, Labor left the college for dead. They simply didn't care about the people in the region."
Member for Southern Downs James Lister said the Crisafulli Government would continue to pursue solutions in the region's best interests.
"While this has been a challenging situation for those directly impacted, we now have a great opportunity through the Expression of Interest process to determine the next phase of this facility," Mr Lister said.
"We'll continue to work with all those involved to minimise the impacts on staff and students and ensure a fresh start for our region."
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Melissa Hamilton welcomed the steps being taken to ensure a positive outcome for the region.
"The Queensland College of Wine Tourism is such a valuable asset for our region, encompassing Varias restaurant and cellar door, the function centre and the training opportunities offered to our residents," Ms Hamilton said.
"We are looking forward to the outcomes of the Expression of Interest process, and we hope it will bring an exciting new chapter for both the facility and our community."
New arrangements for the QCWT facility are expected to be formalised by DTET by mid-2025.
