Local leader to drive city research vision

Tuesday November 28, 2023

Limestone Coast businessman appointed to guide $59m Mount Gambier Research, Education and Training Precinct prominent Limestone Coast businessman has been appointed to deliver the State Government's vision for Mount Gambier's $59m Research, Education and Training Precinct.

Peter Gandolfi has been appointed as Precinct Leader and charged with bringing together lead agencies and key stakeholders, to ensure the delivery of the precinct as a whole.

The precinct will be made up of a new purpose-built Technical College, new Forestry Centre of Excellence and upgrade of the TAFE SA Mount Gambier campus.

His appointment follows former South Australian Governor, Rear Admiral the Hon.

Kevin Scarce's work on creating a strategic roadmap for the Mount Gambier Education and Training Precinct.

Mr Scarce recommended the Precinct Leader have strong local knowledge and affiliations with businesses and the community in the Limestone Coast region.

Mr Gandolfi will be supported by a steering committee to be formed comprising state government representatives, along with members from local business, training and education entities.

Following a career with both Wattle Range Council and The Border Watch, Mr Gandolfi now runs a family business, along with his work at the with the ISS First Response and the Mount Burr Country Fire Service.

The focus of Mr Gandolfi's work will be on finalising the location of the Forestry Centre of Excellence, defining the technical college operating model and course structure, appointing the precinct steering committee and considering future options for the precinct sustainability.

The Mount Gambier Education and Training Precinct will be located at the existing Mount Gambier TAFE site on Wireless Road, with future development to include the Mount Gambier Technical College, the Forestry Centre of Excellence and a redevelopment of the existing TAFE.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Forest Industries Clare Scriven said Mr Gandolfi's appointment was a significant milestone in the future development of the Limestone Coast.

"The Mount Gambier Education and Training Precinct will increase the education and training opportunities in the Limestone Coast and is also a key initiative of the Malinauskas Labor Government's investment towards the Forestry Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier," she said.

Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said the appointment of Mr Gandolfi reflected the progress being made to bring the education and training precinct to life in Mount Gambier.

"Mr Gandolfi's experience and connections will ensure we deliver long-term success for the Limestone Coast and ensure education and training opportunities are available for the community," he said.

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell said he had been advocating to ensure the future of local industries and the $59m investment was "one of the largest investments in education and training in our region of any government in living memory".

"I have known Peter over many years in numerous capacities and have the highest regard for his skills and abilities. I am excited Peter has agreed to take on the role as Precinct Leader to ensure the state's vision for this precinct is realised," he said.

Mr Gandolfi said the investment in the precinct will give students new and exciting career paths and provide a benefit to the broader economy by helping to address skills shortages in the region.

"I look forward to being part of the project and working closely with the community and with education and training stakeholders to meet workforce demands," he said.

"The opportunity to provide students with integrated learning pathways at one location at this level with be transformative for the region."

The Mount Gambier Education and Training Precinct will increase the education and training opportunities in the Limestone Coast and is also a key initiative of the Malinauskas Labor Government's investment towards the Forestry Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Forest Industries Clare Scriven

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