Morrison Government invests $2.5m for Whitsunday maritime training hub
THE Morrison Liberal National Government has pledged $2.5 million to help build a dedicated maritime education centre for the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre on land they own at Port of Airlie.
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen will meet with representatives from the centre this afternoon including president Leo Rodriguez, to share the news.
“The Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre has been operating from two training rooms under the sailing club for many years and has long been in need of a dedicated building so they can expand their offering in the maritime training sector,” Mr Christensen said.
“I am very happy to announce today that a re-elected Morrison Liberal National Government will provide $2.5 million to realise their plan to build a training centre here in the heart of Airlie Beach.
“I’m passionate about continuing to get results like this for my community, and investments like this are only possible through the strong economic management the Morrison Liberal National Government is delivering.
“This investment will enable the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre to train more skippers, engineers and crew to work at island resorts, for tour operators and other Whitsunday tourism businesses. This will also mean more job opportunities here in the Whitsundays with around 100 local jobs supported during construction.
“In 2019 the training centre has 274 enrolments. When this dedicated facility is built they could add close to another 100 in the first year alone.
“Airlie Beach is an ideal location for maritime training. There are an estimated 3,000 skippers currently working in the Whitsunday tourism industry and the demand is set to increase as this beautiful part of the world expands its tourism offering.
“I’m proud of my record delivering for the Whitsunday community, including:
$29.6 million investment to fix Hamilton Plains (Shute Harbour Road) flooding issues.
$4.4 million (in total) for Whitsunday Sportspark redevelopment
Creation of Headspace mental health services in the Whitsundays
$75,000 for Eco Barge Clean Seas to assist with their practical environmental work cleaning up marine debris and saving turtles
Only the Liberal National Government can be trusted to manage our budget and economy so we can continue to create more jobs and opportunities for Whitsunday families,” Mr Christensen said.
President of the Whitsunday Sailing Club Leo Rodriguez said today “This funding promise from the LNP will be a huge benefit to the local community not just for those who sail but all community groups and locals. This funding will allow the club to redevelop the training and function departments to become a world class facility and attract student and visitors from all over the world.”
Source: Whitsunday Sailing Club.
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