The Western Downs region is set to teach the next generation of regional health care professionals, with the announcement that the township of Chinchilla will receive a $718,000 Clinical Training Centre (CTC).
The infrastructure project will be delivered in partnership between the Queensland Government and Rural Medical Education Australia to create a health training hub for the Chinchilla, Tara and Miles communities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said it was funded through Round 1 of the Queensland Government's $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).
"The Covid-19 health crisis has taught us the importance of having highly skilled healthcare workers across all of Queensland," Mr Miles said
"The centre will provide health training to rural high school and mature age students to boost regional Queensland's future healthcare workforce.
"Local face to face training facilities such as this one establish a sustainable source of scarce local health professionals, and provide a pathway to university health qualifications for local residents.
"Once completed, the Chinchilla CTC will include a seminar room with capacity for 30 students, a health ward simulation room, two office spaces and a breakout foyer with bathroom facilities."
All projects funded under RCIF Round 1 aim to improve economic and social infrastructure in our resource communities, to enhance wellbeing and access to services and to generate jobs.
Adjunct Associate Professor Megan O'Shannessy CEO for Rural Medical Education Australia said easily accessible, modern training facilities are crucial to ensuring regional Queensland communities are building their health workforce at an appropriate rate for future growth.
"With the completion of the Chinchilla CTC we hope to train and retain more health students, graduates and professionals than ever before," Professor O'Shannessy said.
"This will ensure a broad spectrum of health practitioners from medical students through to specialists are where they are needed for the care of regional Queenslanders.
"We thank the Queensland Government for their ongoing support for health training in regional Queensland."
Mr Miles said Round 1 will provide just over $47 million for 20 projects within 15 resources communities across the state generating an estimated 186 jobs during construction.
"The resource sector is vital to our economy and employs around 84,000 workers, directly supporting more than 15,000 Queensland businesses," he said.
"Despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought, our resources sector has been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic, helping support our economy.
"These projects meet the unique needs of each community whether it's new infrastructure to increase tourism, connect the community or improve training opportunities in the region."
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed the announcement of the first 20 projects to be delivered as part of RCIF Round 1.
"As the peak state body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers, the QRC is proud our industry has been able to contribute $70 million to the RCIF and work with the state government to support resources communities," Mr Macfarlane said.
"We are always looking to ensure jobs for Queenslanders in the regions, and many of these projects do just that and more for our communities."
The $100 million fund was established by a voluntary partnership between coal and mineral companies through the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government.
The Queensland Government has committed $30 million to the fund with participating Queensland resources companies contributing the remaining $70 million. This funding will be distributed across two rounds.
Want daily news highlights delivered to your inbox? Sign up to the Queensland Country Life newsletter below.
