CQUniversity Mackay, TAFE plan new $1.7m aquaculture, agriculture programs

Business operators know Central Queensland needs to do more with technology in the aquaculture space. Now, a new $1.7m funding boost could transform how workers are trained across the region. Read why

Central Queensland is renowned for its world-class coal production but in the field aquaculture, Tassal’s Steve Harrison says the region lags.

“In terms of aquaculture training, Central Queensland is actually behind, particularly Tasmania, and that’s because the industry itself is developing,” he said.

“Tasmania has had the salmon industry for almost 30 years, so the level of aquaculture education and training and skills development in the industry has progressed over those 30 years.

“Here in Central Queensland, Tassal has been operating here only since 2018.”

(From left to right) Tassal's Donny Warren, Rhyan Matthews and Steve Harrison attend the aquaculture and agriculture tech skills discussion at CQUniversity's Ooralea campus in Mackay on May 20. Picture: Duncan Evans

But TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity have a plan to fix the skills gaps holding the region back.

With $1.7m in government funding, the two institutions will design new training modules for the agriculture and aquaculture jobs of the future.

The outline of the new courses all started in Mackay at a workshop at the university’s Ooralea campus, led by TAFE Queensland executive director Robert Petherbridge.

“We don’t currently have training programs for a whole range of things,” he said.

“If we can develop those programs and get them into market now, that means the region and those industries will be more competitive, not only here in Australia, but overseas as well.

“What are skills we need to give to people so they can undertake work in different ways, implement new technologies and participate in the jobs of the future.”

(From left to right) TAFE Queensland executive director Robert Petherbridge, TAFE Queensland manager Taryn Hughes, RDA Greater Whitsundays CEO Robert Cocco and CQUniversity vice president for North Queensland Pierre Viljoen led the aquaculture and agriculture tech skills workshop at CQUniversity's Ooralea campus in Mackay on May 20. Picture: Duncan Evans

The skills shortage crisis is crimping industry across Mackay and Mr Petherbridge said the new modules, expected to arrive between July and September in 2023, would alleviate the pressure.

“A big part of it is actually looking at career pathways both into and through those industries,” he said.

“We feel that if we can attract both young people and older people looking for a career change, into these industries, understanding that there are really good career pathways, we believe that’s a great attraction strategy and that will help fill those skill shortages.”

Tassal’s Rhyan Matthews said his company was at the cutting edge in aquaculture and it needed more young to help them “push the technology.”

Originally published as CQUniversity Mackay, TAFE plan new $1.7m aquaculture, agriculture programs