No plan to merge two TAFE sites

THERE is no plan to merge Bremer TAFE with the Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE, according to the State Education Minister.

THERE is no plan to merge Bremer TAFE with the Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE, according to the State Education Minister.

Despite reports throughout the week that the two TAFEs could be merged as part of State Government cost-cutting, the minister, John-Paul Langbroek, has dismissed the claims.

When asked by The Queensland Times if merging Bremer with MSIT had been considered Mr Langbroek flatly denied it.

"No decisions has been made, nor are there formal proposals of a merger on the table for consideration at this time," he said.

"The Newman government has committed to forming a taskforce to reform and revamp skills and training in Queensland.

"The Skills and Training Taskforce has been established as part of the 100 Days Plan to fully evaluate vocational education and training institutes and the board will be announced soon."

A potential merger isn't without supporters though. Mayor Paul Pisasale says it could provide better skills training for Ipswich.

Cr Pisasale, who chairs the Bremer TAFE council, said the potential upside of amalgamation had to be considered.

"I don't have a problem with amalgamation as long as it strengthens Bremer TAFE and improves skills training in Ipswich," he said.

"We need to stay calm and keep an open mind. All that's been done is create a taskforce looking at the options. If some jumping up and down needs to happen then I'll be the first one to do it. But we should look at all the options out there to make sure we are getting the best training opportunities into Ipswich."

Originally published as No plan to merge two TAFE sites