Consortium commits to saving Queensland College of Wine Tourism
Southern Queensland business leaders are rallying to ensure the unique Queensland College of Wine Tourism continues to operate after months of uncertainty.
A consortium led by the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce has been selected to run the college, with the state government giving it two years to turn things around.
The announcement came after the University of Southern Queensland withdrew its support from the $8.5 million college last year, leaving its future in limbo.
Located on the Stanthorpe State High School campus, the one-of-a-kind Australian education and training facility provides an opportunity for Queensland's future wine makers and grape growers, tourism and hospitality workers to hone their craft.
The college, which has been operating since 2007, will also receive non-financial support from Southern Downs Regional Council, the Granite Belt Grower's Association, Granite Belt Wine and Tourism, Queensland Country Tourism and Queensland Wine Industry Association.
The consortium has developed a four-year plan to deliver hands-on training in viticulture, agribusiness, tourism, hospitality, and business management at the campus, which will be known as The Precinct.
Chamber president Michelle Feenen said providing support for the college was a chance to safeguard its future and protect a "jewel in the region".
"We felt that here in the region we had the skill set and we had the knowledge, and we know this region very, very well and we know these industries that are represented through what happens here at the wine college," Ms Feenen said.
"What we didn't want was to have potentially worst case scenario, a private operator that might come in with a lot of our aspirations, but then find that they fall on their on their face really quickly and then it becomes another scenario of what to do with this facility.
"We wanted to guard against that."
Queensland College of Wine Tourism acting manager Kim Gallaway said it was a relief for more than 20 staff to know their jobs would be secure after an "uneasy" few months.
"It's a positive outcome after all the uncertainty we've had and it'll bring a good vibe I believe back into the workplace with employment opportunities to continue into the future with the new consortium," she said.
"We're in a rural area, there's not that many positions available to our industry staff here that we have, the professionals that we have.
"So for them to be able to stay here at the college into the future I think is an absolute positive outcome today."
Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates said the consortium would provide a sustainable future for the college as well as the wine and tourism industry.
"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," Ms Bates said.
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