The floods that devastated Queensland in 2011 are estimated to have affected over 200,000 people and caused more than $2.38 billion worth of damage.
Many homes and businesses were deemed unusable after the floods, with thousands of dollars in equipment damaged and many communities still rebuilding roads and structures to this day.
However, there’s a little light at the end of the tunnel, with half a million dollars’ worth of machinery damaged in the floods now being remediated to help with hands-on training for Queensland apprentices.
Mining and construction equipment manufacturer Komatsu donated the machinery, including skid-steer loaders, mini excavators and backhoe loaders, to TAFE colleges and registered training organisations for apprentices to use as learning tools.
This machinery will help to provide extra apprentice support, allowing those training in the relevant trades to pick up the skills and experience required for their future career.
V8 supercar champion and four-time Bathurst 1000 winner Jamie Whincup was present at the official handover on June 18, with Queensland’s assistant minister for Technical and Further Education Saxon Rice presiding over the ceremony.
