Community & Business
12 December, 2024
Wine college breathing with state help
Wine college receiving help
An iconic regional institution has been rescued from certain closure.
The Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT) will benefit from support from the Queensland state government while it seeks a new operator and works with local industry, business and schools to establish ongoing partnerships.
The premises might be a perfect fit for the new Southern Downs CUC, or uni hub, planned for the region. The Town & Country Journal inquired with the CUC but has not yet been given a response.
“It’s very long running and it has a number of different aspects to it, and that’s part of the complication in working a way forward,” Southern Downs Mayor, Melissa Hamilton said. While the transition and future operation of the QCWT is out of council’s purview, it is an important part of the region.
The Mayor points out that without the state funding, the institution would have shut down almost immediately.
The University of Southern Queensland was the major partner and sponsor of the QCWT for many years but, like all Australian universities post-COVID, it is struggling financially. Cuts to international student levels have only intensified pressure on regional universities.
A media release from the Premier’s office indicated that the former state government were made aware of the university’s intent to withdraw in October 2023 but made no funds to keep it open until options could be explored.
It would appear that a struggling educational facility in a LNP safe seat wasn’t interesting to the former labor state government. Premier Crisafulli, however, has different priorities.
MP James Lister says the Miles government “left the college in shambles and should be ashamed, they have put the future of this region and this industry at risk with their reckless failure.”
Expressions of interest will begin in January and a new operator can be appointed in the meantime, according to MP Ros Bates, Minister for Finance, Trade and etc.
The QCWT has provided training and supported skilled workers across vineyards and wineries. Varias restaurant and the function centre have been central to the Southern Downs. The cellar door facility showcases local producers and the opportunity for local students is key to the region’s tourism industry.
The Mayor thanked the Crisafulli government, MP Bates and Mr Lister for “showing their commitment to the region".
