EDUCATION and training opportunities on North Stradbroke Island will get a boost over the 12 months, according to Training Minister Shannon Fentiman.
Speaking as National Skills Week got under way, Ms Fentiman said the state government and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation would boost the island's profile as a destination for education and training.
Ms Fentiman said two programs - Business Operator Training and Capacity Building, and Education Exchange - were under way to upskill and reskill.
"Since the project begun last year, our $300,000 investment in the Education Exchange has provided more than 2200 hours of training to over 90 students," Ms Fentiman said. "This has included training in hospitality, tourism, horticulture, workplace health and safety, business and cultural heritage."
Ms Fentiman said the government wanted to make sure there were training opportunities that would lead to good jobs as Minjerribah transitioned away from sandmining.
She said the government was working with the North Stradbroke Island community, traditional owners and QYAC and Sibelco to provide training to transition workers to other employment after sandmining ceases at the end of the year.
"Minjerribah is a growing tourism and recreational destination and we want to make sure we have the skilled workers to land a job in this exciting part of Queensland," Ms Fentiman said.
QYAC chief executive Cameron Costello said the projects were playing a critical role in ensuring a bright future for the island.
"Not only are we turning our minds to driving eco cultural tourism and caring for country through rehabilitation of mining sites, but with the mining industry ending we are clearly focussed on caring for people and ensuring that workers are provided with the adequate support for training and reskilling," Mr Costello said.
The government has budgeted $24 million for the transition from sandmining to ecotourism and retail, and a further $5 million for an assistance scheme for mine workers. More than 140 former and current workers have received advice and support.
For more information visit ditid.qld.gov.au/tourism/tourism-policy-strategies/minjerribah-futures.
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