Image courtesy Queensland College of Wine Tourism, Facebook

The state government has stepped in to save the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, after its partnership with the University of Southern Queensland concluded.

The university advised the previous state government of the intent to withdraw from the partnership in October 2023, however no funds were provided to keep the college open while a new partner could be secured.

The College of Wine and Tourism has been operating since 2007, and delivers accredited training in hospitality, wine industry operations and commercial cookery, providing short-course training programs to support skills across the wine tourism industry.

The Granite Belt and South Burnett wine regions of Queensland heavily rely on the training provided by the college to support skilled workers across vineyards and wineries for the emerging world-class wine regions.

The current Queensland government has said it will provide support to keep the college operating as it seeks a new operator and works with local industry, business and schools to establish ongoing partnerships.

The Queensland government will open an ‘Expression of Interest’ process in January 2025, to identify options to add value to the region and community and secure a sustainable funding stream.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the current state government had taken urgent steps to save the college after it was left without a future.

“We will keep the college operating while a new operator can be appointed. The jobs of those working at the college will be safe,” said Minister Bates.

“The restaurant and function centre are a critical part of the lifeblood of the community, delivering tourism and hospitality services to Stanthorpe and we will ensure this continues while a future model is determined.”

Member for Southern Downs James Lister said the previous government had failed the college by not appointing a new operator or finding another way forward.

“Labor knew USQ [University of Southern Queensland] was walking away from the college and yet they did nothing to secure the future of the college,” said Lister.

“I thank the Minister for listening to the concerns of our community and for stepping in to save this college.”

The Queensland government, through the Department of Trade, Employment and Training, will issue an expression of interest to industry and the broader community to identify potential operators of the facility, liaising closely with the Southern Downs Council and community leaders.

The expression of interest will run alongside a broader community consultation to identify all viable future operating scenarios at the site.

New arrangements for the Queensland College of Wine Tourism are expected to be formalised by mid-2025.

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