CQ University launches School of Advanced Manufacturing

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison has joined in the sod turning ceremony for a new School of Advanced Manufacturing building at Central Queensland University in Gladstone.

Morrison, who reviewed plans with Vice-Chancellor Prof Nick Klomp (pictured), made a lightning visit to CQ University’s Gladstone Marina campus to inaugurate the project.

Funded by the federal government, the $13.5 million project will be complemented by a School of Mining at CQ University’s Rockhampton North campus, with work set to commence on that site in the coming weeks.

CQ University’s Klomp said the University was committed to the continued development of its regional campuses.

Klomp said: “Mining remains a critical industry for Central Queensland, while advanced manufacturing is a clear growth opportunity for the region’s future, with Gladstone positioned front and centre to take advantage of this.

“Establishing the School of Manufacturing in Gladstone will allow CQ University to develop the region’s future manufacturing workforce, enhance our manufacturing research expertise, and support the manufacturing sector as it primes for future growth.”

Klomp said the new school would support advanced instrumentation and process manufacturing training, advanced welding and manufacturing, and the emerging hydrogen industry.

The development of the new facilities grew from CQ University’s close engagement with community and industry.

Klomp said: “Through our work with industry and community, we developed a deep understanding of the region’s needs when it came to industry development, skills training and regional growth, and using this knowledge we worked with Government to outline these needs and secure the required funding.”

Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) is supporting the new school.

Acting CEO Craig Walker said: “The ability to collaborate and innovate together for the future is so important – it is the key to success.

“We have an important role to play in our community and with our local University, which we proudly support as they provide our region with enviable opportunities for study and jobs.”

In total the Government has committed $30 million towards construction of both Schools with CQ University to contribute an additional $7 million.

The Gladstone School of Advanced Manufacturing is expected to be completed and operational by February 2022.

Picture: CQ University Vice-Chancellor Prof Nick Klomp discusses the plans for the School of Advanced Manufacturing building.

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