Former AgForce chief executive Charles Burke will lead the transition team charged with winding down Queensland’s soon-to-close pastoral colleges.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said Mr Burke, who has also been the vice president of the National Farmers Federation, brought strong industry credentials to the role.
Mr Burke will lead the process to determine what will happen to pastoral colleges in Longreach and Emerald, as well as helping guide affected staff into roles outside Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges.
“Charles Burke will spend time in Longreach and Emerald working with local stakeholders as we reinvigorate vocational education, training and skilling in the state’s central west,” Mr Furner said.
“This will involve identifying economic development opportunities and ensuring the best use of QATC’s facilities.”
The colleges are being closed following a review by Professor Peter Coaldrake.