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North Queensland will become the heart of agriculture training with the first sod turned for a new $3.4 million Agriculture Centre of Excellence in Bowen.

Turning the first sod at the Bowen TAFE campus today, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer, said the state-of-the-art facility would train and prepare Queensland’s workforce for growth in the agriculture industry.

“The new centre will offer more than 70 courses related to agriculture and will help trainees and apprentices develop the skills they need to ensure Queensland is ready to capitalise on industry growth,” Minister Farmer said.

“Bowen is a prime location for agriculture training and industry expansion and highlights North Queensland as a great place to work, live and invest.”

In addition to general learning and workshop areas, the Centre of Excellence will feature a Smart Centre for data analysation and computerised training technologies, virtual reality room providing advanced tech for emerging industry needs, science lab, a Farmbot for robotics, nutrition, soil science, biology and coding, and a Growpod for monitoring stable growing environments and producing horticultural and agricultural products in all climates.

Construction is due to be completed in August this year.

During the visit, Minister Farmer also opened the revitalised Bowen TAFE Health Hub, following a $200,000 upgrade to the health and aged care training space.

“Health and aged care is an industry where there will always be a demand for workers, so a continued investment in creating a skilled workforce is crucial for Queensland,” Minister Farmer said.

“I’m pleased to be able to open the new Health Hub which will provide students with a modern learning environment that reflects real world experiences.”

The space includes a four-bed ward, simulated bathroom, toilet and shower, and delivers online training to other regions.

Minister Farmer said creating a skilled workforce and job opportunities was vital to Queensland’s economic recovery and a priority for this government.

“The Equipping TAFE for our Future initiative is investing $100 million over three years from 2021–22 to support skills development in priority industries such as manufacturing, trades training, defence, renewable energy, resources, agriculture and aquaculture,” Minister Farmer said.

“Ensuring Queenslanders can access training, improve their skills and create career pathways doesn’t just benefit individuals, it benefits all of Queensland.”