What’s happening?
The Crisafulli Government will invest $61.1 million over three years to build a new Rockhampton TAFE Excellence Precinct at CQUniversity’s Rockhampton North campus. Construction starts in June 2026 and finishes by June 2028. The facility will train over 350 students each year in trades like air-conditioning, refrigeration, electrical, light automotive, metal fabrication, hairdressing and beauty, horticulture, hospitality, visual arts, and information technology.
Treasurer David Janetzki said:
“We’re getting on with the job of skilling up more people to get more tradies on the tools, sooner, so we can address Labor’s skills shortage.”
Minister Ros Bates confirmed: “The Rockhampton TAFE Excellence Precinct is the state-of-the-art training hub Central Queensland deserves.”
Why it matters?
The new centre will double training capacity for construction trades, ease the skills shortage, and provide practical pathways for locals into high-demand jobs. Consolidating training at CQUniversity’s North campus will free the Canning Street site for Rockhampton Hospital expansion and create land for 200 new homes.
Local Impact
The investment provides modern training spaces for specialised trades, helping more locals qualify faster. Treasurer Janetzki said: “This investment provides greater capacity for skills training each year, doubling training capacity for construction trades across the region.”
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp said: “We are excited to be moving ahead with the second stage of the TAFE Excellence Precinct at the Rockhampton North campus.”
“The delivery of this facility is a key milestone as it will see us consolidate all training and higher education operations onto one site in Rockhampton.”
By the Numbers
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$61.1 million: Funding over three years for the new precinct.
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350+ students: Expected annual training capacity.
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200 homes: Land unlocked by relocating from Canning Street.
Zoom In
Courses will include construction, hospitality, horticulture, IT, beauty, and more, matching training to regional workforce needs.
Zoom Out
The project is part of the Crisafulli Government’s $201.1 million plan for TAFE Centres of Excellence across Queensland, with sites also planned for the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and Southern Moreton Bay Islands. The Budget also includes $40 million for trade training statewide.
What To Look For Next?
Construction begins June 2026, with completion by June 2028. Further details on enrolments and the hospital and housing expansions will follow as the Canning Street site becomes available.
