The proposed new building on the TAFE site neighbouring AREC would give Mudgee the most up-to-date hospitality training facilities in the west, including a commercial kitchen, a dining room for functions and a simulated hotel/motel room.

Rather than having to travel to Dubbo or Orange to earn their hospitality qualifications, students will be able to stay in Mudgee and train with facilities equal to anything they are likely to encounter in the industry.

Students will be able to train under restaurant conditions, with buffet and bar facilities.

The bar will also allow TAFE to teach wine appreciation and service and sales in a professional-level cellar door situation.

Members of the Mudgee community have spent more than three years barracking for a hospitality training school.

“This is a facility the Mudgee area really needs and because Mudgee is so dependent on hospitality and tourism, we’ve got to get it right,” said Mudgee Wine Grape Growers executive officer Mike O’Malley, who was part of the drive to develop the school.

“Having this facility at our doorstep and available to local students will remarkably benefit the local hospitality and tourism industries.”

Representatives of TAFE NSW say they have been working for a decade to develop a school to service Mudgee’s growing tourism and hospitality industry.

“Mudgee has become a gourmet hub for hospitality and tourism and this expansion can only continue,” said a TAFE NSW spokesman.

“Qualifications gained through the new school will have international recognition.”

Because the development application is being lodged by the crown, the conditions council imposes on the development must be sent to the Department of Planning for approval, and council cannot refuse the development without department of planning permission.

PATH TO TAFE:

At Wednesday night’s council meeting, councillors will also vote on a proposal inviting TAFE into a voluntary planning agreement (VPA) for the development.

The VPA would involve a contribution of $100,000 by TAFE towards the extension of the cycle path from the borders of the Mudgee township to the TAFE/AREC site.

The footpath would support the increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic that the hospitality school is expected to create.

The RTA is prepared to contribute the remaining $70,000 required to construct the pathway along the eastern side of the Ulan/Cassilis Road to TAFE, and a $100,000 contribution by TAFE would ensure the project’s completion.