Feds commit $22m to Truck Training and Testing Precinct

New Heavy Vehicle Training and Experimentation Precinct aims to produce Australia’s next generation of highly-skilled heavy vehicle operators

The Federal Government has announced $22 million in funding for stage one of Wodonga TAFE’s Logical Innovation Precinct which includes a Heavy Vehicle Training and Experimentation Precinct.

The funding is for detailed design and the construction of infrastructure and facilities at its campus in Logic Park, Barnawartha North, including a heavy vehicle obstacle circuit, a heavy vehicle repair and maintenance workshop, a main client building and car park, along with upgrades to external infrastructure, and the installation of a state-of-the-art cyber range for simulated courses.

Construction of the facility will commence in 2024 and is expected to be completed by June 2026.

The upgraded facility will support Wodonga TAFE to expand its Heavy Vehicle Technology Program, which is expected to attract up to 1,200 students in four years and generate more than $70 million in gross regional product.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, says the facility will transform how heavy vehicle operators are trained, improving safe driving practices, and better equipping them for the rapidly evolving transport and logistics industry.

“Our $22 million investment in this truly trailblazing precinct will overhaul how we build new capability in the transport and logistics industry into the future,” she says.

“This one-of-a-kind facility will enable Wodonga TAFE to deliver specialist courses that will attract more apprentices and trainees – who will become our next generation of highly-skilled heavy vehicle operators.

“Supporting up to 100 jobs during construction over the next four years, and on-going teaching positions once complete, this facility will also provide a number of opportunities for the local economy in the Albury Wodonga region in the medium and long-term.”

Wodonga TAFE CEO Phil Paterson adds: “This is a momentous milestone for Wodonga TAFE and Logical Innovation Precinct, and we are really excited to be at the forefront of future skills, jobs and technologies, benefiting our communities and industries.”

Primarily focused on weaving advanced manufacturing technologies and principles into the precinct, stage two of the project will see the delivery of the Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence and the expansion of the motorsports, automotive and heavy vehicles programs to include heavy robotics, mechatronics, automation, and future fuels (including charging and refuelling stations).

Future additions to the precinct may include further heavy vehicle offerings regarding the interaction of logistics vehicles with the rail cargo network, and for research, testing, and training into the deployment of drones for warehousing, and agriculture industries.

To get an idea of what’s in store check out the heavy vehicle workshop concept video here and the cyber range concept video here.