$22 million to deliver pioneering Wodonga TAFE heavy vehicle technology precinct

Joint Media Release from The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, The Hon Harriet Shing MP, Victorian Minister for Regional Development, and Phil Paterson, Wodonga TAFE Chief Executive Officer

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 17 August 2023

The Albanese Government is delivering $22 million towards a nation-leading Heavy Vehicle Training and Experimentation Precinct in Wodonga, Victoria - as part of its $80 million investment in the Albury Wodonga Regional Projects (AWRP).

The innovative facility at Wodonga TAFE Logical Innovation Precinct will transform how heavy vehicle operators are trained, improving safe driving practices and better equipping them for the rapidly evolving transport and logistics industry.

This investment will support construction of 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.

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.

The Victorian Government also backed the project, with funding of $450,000 delivered last year through Regional Development Victoria, to support Wodonga TAFE fast track the necessary planning.

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

It is just one of eight projects funded through the AWRP initiative, with the Albanese Government also investing:

  • $20 million towards infrastructure that supports better health outcomes

  • $15 million towards housing and accommodation for essential workers

  • $10 million for the Albury Entertainment Centre redevelopment

  • $5 million for the Albury Airport expansion

  • $5 million towards the Gateway Island and the Murray River Experience

  • $1 million to support First Nations priority projects

  • $2 million for advanced manufacturing to accelerate the region’s economic development

The Australian Government will continue to work closely with the New South Wales and Victorian Governments, the City of Wodonga and Albury City Councils, and key regional stakeholders to implement these transformative projects.

For more informaiton on the Heavy Vehicle Training and Experimentation Precinct project, visit: Logical Innovation Precinct (wodongatafe.edu.au).

Sara Johnston