TROY BELL MP
Member for Mount Gambier
Your Independent voice
in State Parliament
$1.6m TAFE Agriculture Hub officially opened
Friday April 14, 2023THE new Agriculture Hub at Mt Gambier’s TAFE SA campus has been officially opened, with students able to have hands-on experience on the campus.
Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer opened the new facility with Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, and Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell.
The $1.6 million hub was a joint initiative by the federal and state governments.
It offers courses in Agriculture, Horticulture, and Conservation and Ecosystem Management, as well as short courses.
TAFE SA acting chief executive Damian Turner said the hub was an important step forward for the region.
“Agriculture, Ecosystem Management and Horticulture are all important sectors in the Limestone Coast region and this hub provides a contemporary learning environment where students can build on their knowledge and practical skills,” he said.
“It is a well-equipped facility which is in close proximity to other primary industry training areas, so putting theory into practice is a smooth transition.”
Minister Boyer said new and modern facilities were an important part of furthering education, especially in regional areas.
“It’s really important for me to be here with Minister Scriven and Troy here today, the three of us have been working closely together to make this a hub where all the different bits work together,” he said
“The establishment of the Agriculture Hub reinforces not only our commitment to TAFE SA but also our commitment to regional skills training.
“This is where we will see the most success – where training and industry work in partnership to deliver critical skills that are relevant and unique to individual regions.”
Minister Scriven agreed and said the hub was designed with provision for greater use of digital technology.
“This is so important to ensure that the skills that are needed in the Limestone Coast
for industries that are crucial to our region and our state are being taught,” she said.
“This will enable further economic and community growth in these sectors.”
The hub features two classrooms and a large outdoor under cover area, where students can put their knowledge to practical use.
In providing innovative equipment for students, the hub is home to a $15,000 simulated cow where students can practise sperm insemination to minimise the health and safety risks for animals.