Work is due to start this week on CQU Bundaberg's new $4.7 million science and research complex.

Local builder Murchie Construction will carry out the works on the purpose-designed buildings.

Site meetings will commence on Wednesday (November 9) to guide the construction phase.

Acting Head of CQU Bundaberg Dr Helen Huntly said inclusion of a science laboratory meant chemistry and biology students would now have science facilities easily accessible on the CQU campus.

Dr Huntly said the complex would also contain dedicated research facilities, some committed to information technology/multi-media/interactive journalism research. Academic staff offices and a meeting room would also be included.

There will be two new buildings, operating as one complex, for design and operational functionality.

The Federal Government has provided $1.9 million from DEST Capital Development Pool funding with the remaining $2.8 million from CQU.

Dr Huntly said the construction represented a new phase for CQU Bundaberg, recognising the emergence of research at the campus in recent years.

The project architect is Tropical Architects. The Division of Facilities Management is managing the construction.

Illustration: Artist’s impressions of the new complex.

Photo: (L to R) Andrew Murchie, Managing Director - Murchie Constructions; Helen Huntly, Acting Head of Campus; Paul Cruice, Principal - Tropical Architects, and Phil McBryde, Project Officer, CQU Division of Facilities Management.