Today federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett officially opened the CCF Queensland civil industry training centre (Q-CTIC), an advanced facility designed to address the training needs of the civil construction industry.

Perrett was joined by state Member for Stretton Freya Ostapovitch, key representatives from the state government, the CCF board and member organisations.

“The civil construction industry is facing a skills shortage due to an ageing workforce and the competing demand for similar skills from the resources industry,” CCF Queensland chief executive officer Robert Row said.

“The Q-CTIC has been developed to address this issue so our local industry may deliver future infrastructure projects for Queenslanders including roads, tunnels, bridges, dams, wharves and commercial and housing land developments.

“It is a purpose designed facility packed full of the latest technology and facilities for civil construction training.

“These include new technologies in plant simulators and facilities such as trench shoring and confined space areas.”

Construction of the Q-CTIC was achieved through co-contributions from the Australian government of more than $1.9 million and more than $5.7 million from industry.

“This centre represents what we can achieve when government and industry partner together to accomplish a project that is needed to service industry and our community,” Row said.

“Training and skills development is of the highest importance to Civil Contractors Federation Queensland branch and the Q-CTIC will help to skill the civil construction industry now and into the future.

“I am very proud of the Q-CTIC and the opportunities it presents to our industry.”