Central West Group Apprentices chief executive officer Ben Bardon said this first step towards the realisation of The Flannery Centre was the culmination of many years of planning.

The centre will be a place where individuals and organisations can do sustainable technologies training in a range of qualifications.

Members of the community will also be able to learn how to do everything from creating compost to installing solar panels.

A crowd of well-wishers were on hand to watch Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin battle strong winds to unveil the new sign representing the multi-million dollar project.

The idea of building a world class carbon efficiency skills centre has already caught the imagination of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd whose government put $5 million towards making it a reality.

While Mr Martin was thrilled to have the opportunity to make an appearance, he jokingly referred to himself as a bit of an interloper, reminding all present that it was the federal government who put up the money.

Mr Martin outlined the project saying it is the first of its kind in Australia.

“It is great that it is anchored in Bathurst,” he said.

“Today is the start of an ambitious project.

“We are getting to a stage where rhetoric and talk have to give way to real action.”

Mr Martin said The Flannery Centre will be important for those trying to combat the climate change crisis by providing those on the ground with the skills necessary to do what is needed.

“Congratulations to the Central West Group Appren-tices who had the vision and made this thing a reality,” he said.

Mr Bardon said all involved with the Flannery Centre appreciate the support of the State Government and TAFE in agreeing to sell them the site.

“It is the perfect site – it completes the education precinct,” he said.

“We designed it so it would be like a honey pot to researchers, allowing us to make the changes we want to make,” Mr Bardon added.