Boatbuilding Program may stay afloat with new home
- Details
- Monday, 23 January 2012 22:34
Wade Noonan MP, Member for Williamstown, has cautiously welcomed news that Gordon TAFE in Geelong is considering taking over the previously doomed boatbuilding program from Victoria University in Newport.
Late in 2011, Mr Noonan used the Victorian Parliament to call on the Baillieu Government to intervene in the impending closure of the only TAFE-based boatbuilding program in Victoria.
“I’m growing increasingly optimistic that Victoria’s only boatbuilding program will stay afloat,” Mr Noonan said.
“Gordon TAFE in Geelong seems very keen to take over the program from Victoria University but has yet to make a final decision.”
“This is very positive news for the boating industry who rely heavily on skilled workers. It’s also positive for those young people who wish to pursue an apprenticeship in the boatbuilding industry.”
While Mr Noonan has been full of praise for the role that the Victorian Boating Industry Association has played in trying to facilitate a resolution to this problem, he attacked the Baillieu Government for their inaction.
“You’d think the Baillieu Government would have done something to help save the only TAFE-based boatbuilding program in Victoria, but no, they’ve sat back and done nothing,” Mr Noonan said.
“It’s been left to the State Labor Opposition in partnership with the Victorian Boating Industry Association to find a resolution.”
“I find it quite ironic that the Victorian Government is prepared to throw thousands of dollars at the Festival of Sails event in Williamstown, whilst at the same time allowing the tide to go out on a niche trade such as boatbuilding.”
Gordon TAFE is still undertaking their own due diligence on the boatbuilding program and will need to speak with Victoria University to discuss the potential transfer of students between the two institutions.
“If the Baillieu Government is at all interested in preserving the trade of boatbuilding in Victoria, then they should be contacting Gordon TAFE and offering every bit of assistance to help save this program,” Mr Noonan said.
A copy of Mr Noonan’s original speech to Parliament about the future of boatbuilding can be found at: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/hansard/
