$30 million investment for Automotive Centre of Excellence Stage 2
3 May 2007
The creation of a world-class automotive hub in Victoria is closer to reality, with the Bracks' Government allocating $30 million towards the second stage of the Automotive Centre of Excellence in the 2007-2008 State Budget.
The second stage of the Automotive Centre of Excellence will develop a number of practical workshops and office space at the Docklands facility, where the remainder of Kangan Batman TAFE's automotive training (currently at the Richmond and Coburg campuses) will eventually transfer.
The Bracks' Government already built the $20.5 million first stage, which houses Kangan Batman TAFE's automotive body trades training.
The funding allocation comes as part of the Bracks' Government's Skills for a Growing Economy statement, released on Tuesday 1 May 2007.
Planning will now commence concurrently for Stages 2 and 3 (designed specifically for automotive industry organisations). Construction is anticipated to begin in 2008-09.
Kangan Batman TAFE CEO, Ray Griffiths, welcomed the continuation of the Victorian State Government partnership on behalf of Kangan Batman TAFE Board, staff and Automotive Centre of Excellence industry partners (VACC, PPG, Wurth and Repco).
'For sharing our commitment to strengthen our automotive industry through addressing skills shortages and sharing resources, I sincerely thank the Office of Training and Tertiary Education under the leadership of Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment, the Hon. Jacinta Allan MP,' said Mr Griffiths. 'I also thank the Minister for Industry and State Development, The Hon. Theo Theophanous and the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, and Innovation, The Hon. John Brumby for their continued support.'
'As the Automotive Centre of Excellence is one of the biggest developments for TAFE and the automotive industry, we are excited about the future prospects and opportunities this funding brings.
'When Stages 2 and 3 are complete, the Centre will become more than just a TAFE-it will be the focal point of the Victorian automotive industry, bringing together automotive training, higher education, research and development, in one central location.'
Kangan Batman TAFE is working with its valued partners in the automotive manufacturing sector on the business case for the Stage 3 development. It will be presented for approval to government in September 2007.
For information on the Automotive Centre of Excellence, visit www.aceauto.com.au.
