The first sod has been turned on the Qantas Group Pilot Academy project, which will create 100 construction jobs.
Located at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport, the academy aims to build on the potential demand for aviation training, and the maintenance and logistics industries.
State Development Minister, Cameron Dick, said the construction marks an important milestone in bringing highly skilled jobs, training and career opportunities to the Darling Downs.
“Construction of hangar, classroom and student accommodation facilities at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport will create up to 100 direct jobs over the construction period, as well as more than 300 in the broader construction sector,” Dick said.
“Beyond the construction phase, up to 160 ongoing jobs in training and support are expected as the academy scales up to its full capacity of 250 students with significant flow-on benefits for local businesses.
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“Support from the Queensland Government’s $150 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund was integral to bringing this academy to the Darling Downs, and I know it will deliver a lasting contribution to the local community.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Paul Antonio, said the academy will be a great asset for the region and support bold its ambitions.
“This important piece of infrastructure is much more than just an airport as it has built a sense of self belief throughout the community that has paved the way for further investment in the Toowoomba Region,” Antonio said.
“We are absolutely delighted to see the academy is progressing to the construction phase as it is a project of regional, state and national significance. In true Wagners style it’ll probably happen quite quickly.
“We have so many modern-day pioneers, looking at new opportunities and building new infrastructure to support the industries of the future.”