The South Australian Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Tom Koutsantonis, has announced the Parliament’s Public Works Committee has held a hearing into the proposed $38 million Mining Engineering Centre.

 

“The Mining and Engineering Centre together with the $125 million Sustainable Industries Education Centre at Tonsley Park will ensure South Australia has the skilled people we need to meet demand from our growing mining, cleantech and advanced manufacturing sectors,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

 

“South Australia is still going to need more people, with a higher level of qualifications, to drive our growth industries and deliver on a strong pipeline of major projects throughout the State.

 

“The Mining and Engineering Centre at Regency Park will consolidate and integrate programs previously delivered across the TAFE SA network.”

 

The Committee has been inquiring into government-funded infrastructure and will prepare a final report to be tabled in Parliament.

 

Mr Koutsantonis has urged the approval of the centre, saying the number of approved mines is placing unprecedented pressure on the state’s work force.

“As those projects begin to advance, they will continue to demand a highly skilled work force and the Mining and Engineering Centre will improve the chances that those employees will be sourced locally.