Tasmania is set to become a national shearing and wool handling hub with the establishment of the state’s first shearing and wool handling innovation centre.
The $1.5 million ‘Wool School’ will be built at the Campbell Town Showgrounds.
Primary Industries Minister Jane Howlett said the wool industry, like many sectors, has struggled to attract skilled workers and there are currently limited education and training opportunities within the industry.
“That’s why the Tasmanian Government will provide $1.5 million for the Midland Agricultural Association to establish a shearing and wool handling innovation centre,” she said.
“The centre will include state-of-the-art facilities, a shearing shed and associated amenities.”
The new centre is supported by Australian Wool Innovation for large-scale delivery of training programs, and the government say it will allow Tasmania to host national shearing competitions as a showcase for regional Tasmania and mechanism to attract new shearers.
The Midland Agricultural Association will operate the centre and work with TasTAFE and other regional training organisations to maximise opportunities.
Up to $200,000 will also be provided to industry to support training opportunities.
