The McGowan Government has established a dedicated agricultural training centre to help develop vocational training in the Carnarvon horticultural production area to increase workforce capacity and competency.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Central Regional TAFE and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), steps have already been made to develop the training site at the Carnarvon Research Station.
According to the Western Australian (WA) Government, the new site will improve TAFE’s delivery of Certificates in agriculture, horticulture, rural operations, and short courses by giving unique access to equipment, research trials, and technical specialists from DPIRD.
The move builds on the close collaboration formed in recent years between Central Regional TAFE and DPIRD through the department’s PRIMED education project.
The State Government has considerably rebuilt the Carnarvon Research Station. It now boasts a high-tech greenhouse with a retractable roof for environmental management and cyclone protection, a protective crop netting system, and a digital data network.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said this is a fantastic effort that will enable young people in the Gascoyne to participate in a high-quality training program conveniently placed in the heart of the state’s subtropical research.
“The Carnarvon Research Station hosts a number of groundbreaking research trials across a range of fruit and vegetable crops, including mangoes, persimmons, jackfruit, tomatoes, capsicums, melons, as well as sterile Leucaena,” Minister MacTiernan stated.
Minister MacTiernan added that the collaboration would aid in developing a competent workforce for the booming horticultural industry, hence supporting regional economic growth and job creation.
The State Government has considerably rebuilt the Carnarvon Research Station. It now boasts a high-tech glasshouse with a retractable roof for environmental management and cyclone protection, a protective crop netting system, and a digital data network.
In addition, there has been continued investment in scientific professionals at the station, who conduct a variety of subtropical irrigated agricultural research to develop the district’s $100 million per year horticulture-producing industry.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said the State Government is assisting Western Australia‘s agriculture business in developing its existing and future workforce, and this effort matches with the industry’s priorities for fulfilling the region’s skills needs.
“This unique arrangement will be a great benefit to TAFE students and lecturers, working alongside experienced DPIRD research scientists and technical officers in the field to learn the latest advances and techniques in the horticulture industry,” Minister Ellery stated.
The Minister added that the collaboration between TAFE and DPIRD will assist recruit students to these critical courses while also serving as a launch pad for the district’s developing irrigated agriculture business.
