Qld College of Wine Tourism rebranded The Precinct

A beleaguered wine college on the Granite Belt has been given two years to prove itself, as details of a government bailout are revealed.

Queensland College of Wine Tourism at Stanthorpe. Picture: Des Houghton

The state government has selected a local consortium to operate the beleaguered Queensland College of Wine Tourism at Stanthorpe.

Employnment and Training Minister Ros Bates has given the college two years to prove itself.

She said it would become a tourist destination and a hub to support training and employment pathways in wine and food production, agribusiness, tourism and hospitality.

The $8.5m college faced an uncertain future after the University of Southern Queensland withdrew funding last year.

Ms Bates said the college deserved a fresh start.

The restaurant and winery would continue to operate, and students from across the road at Stanthorpe State High School would be invited back for education programs and to help tend college vineyards.

The college previously provided training from secondary to tertiary levels in viticulture, oenology, tourism, hospitality and business.

“I am pleased that the selection panel chose a locally managed consortium to operate the college,” Ms Bates said.

College winemaker Arantza Milicua Celador (left) with visiting winemaker Paola Cabesaz. Picture: Des Houghton

It would be led by the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce with input from Southern Downs Regional Council, the Granite Belt Growers’ Association, Granite Belt Wine and Tourism, Queensland Country Tourism and Queensland Wine Industry Association, she said.

“This is a massive win for the Southern Downs region, including the people employed at the College, and will help address the evolving needs of Queensland’s food, wine, agribusiness and tourism sectors,” she said.

She accused the former Labor government of turning its back on the college.

Chamber president Michelle Feenan, who will lead the consortium, said the college would be rebranded The Precinct.

“We have developed a four-year plan for The Precinct to deliver hands-on training to work with industry to address workforce shortages,” Ms Feenan said.

“In time it will also drive industry-led research, advancing sustainable food production, wine technology and climate-resilient agriculture.”

Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Melissa Hamilton said The Precinct would become the centrepiece of a vibrant tourism industry.

A vineyard at Queensland College of Wine Tourism. Picture: Des Houghton