This project and funding is subject to final contract negotiations.

The project will include construction and operation of the Hunter Valley Hotel Academy (HVHA), a sustainable training facility offering hotel management, commercial cooking, restaurant operations, event management and tourism courses. The HVHA is designed to be a fully simulated resort environment, offering students the opportunity to study across multiple disciplines.

Mr. Fitzgibbon said the funds ($7,992,600) would provide a welcome boost to the region and will help to keep the region working.

“TAFE infrastructure plays a key role in skilling Australia for a productive future,” he said.

The funds will be provided as part of the $200 million Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow element of the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund (TIIFT) for Vocational Education and Training.

TIIFT will enhance TAFEs’ capacity to up-skill and re-skill Australians for a productive future. Projects under the TIIFT will particularly focus on skills for a sustainable future, including the emerging green skills sector, and industries affected by climate change.

TAFEs across Australia will receive grants in the 2009–10 financial year to upgrade or develop infrastructure, plant and equipment to skill Australians for the future.