POPULAR WORDS

The non-profit Australian Marine Training Network in Cairns has been awarded a $25,000 Queensland Regional Business Development Scheme grant to carry out a feasibility study in a bid to set up a specialised maritime training facility. State Development Minister Tony McGrady says the proposed Cairns Marine Skills Centre will focus on best-practice training delivery of operational maritime skills for all levels, from deck officers to master class and engineering. "The new skills centre will complement and meet the needs of the maritime industry, which is rapidly growing throughout Queensland," he says. Minister for Local Government and Planning and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle says Tropical North Queensland is delivering the most marine training in the state, with an increase of more than 140% in recent years. "The city is becoming renowned as the hub for super yachts training, or MCA recognised crew training and customised steward and stewardess training," she says. "The region is now attracting students seeking all levels of maritime training and the timing of the feasibility proposal is ideal. "It will ensure a co-ordinated approach to industry and skill development which could position Cairns as Australia's leading centre for maritime training." Queensland is Australia's largest boat-building state and in 2002/03 the industry directly employed more than 7,340 persons and contributed turnover of $1.4 billion to the economy. The Cairns facility is expected to create about a dozen jobs over three years.