The funding was announced as part of the Federal Government’s Better TAFE Facilities (BTF) fund, announced last month.

The BTF funding will be allocated across seven campuses, also including Whyalla, Port Pirie, Mount Gambier, Berri, Murray Bridge and Port Lincoln.

It is not yet clear how much money will be allocated to each campus.

Northern and Yorke regional education manager Kym Williams said the equipment is needed to raise the standard of the resources at TAFE campuses.

“We want to make sure that we’re as close to industry standards as possible,” he said.

According to Member for Giles Lyn Breuer, TAFE was a leader in preparing the region for growth in the mining sector.

“We stand to benefit the most from the mining boom in South Australia and our TAFE campuses are essential to this.

“We need to be able to train our communities for the mining industry.

“TAFE has been at the forefront of this in the past and now will continue to do so.

Ms Breuer applauded the funding.

“It’s a badly needed boost and I know that our communities will benefit greatly because of it,” she said.

Northern Regional Development Board chief executive officer Jerry Johnson said funding would help the industry growth.

“The board is really keen to see TAFE grow in our region as part of the training infrastructure needed for the growth of the industry that we have,” he said.

“TAFE is very important and ensuring that many local people with have access to TAFE in and around our locale is an essential part of growing robust regions and we are keen to see TAFE and other training institutions to grow.

“The board continues to talk to TAFE about new opportunities in and around the region, not just focussed on mining and heavy engineering opportunities but on the full array of industry sectors that our region includes.”