The new student residences at CQUniversity Mackay campus were officially opened recently (Feb 25). Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies and Member for Mackay, The Hon Tim Mulherin, officiated proceedings, thanking the University for its vision for the Mackay Campus and for the way CQUniversity has re-engaged with the local community.

Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Minister and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin (right) officially opens the complex with help from Chancellor Rennie Fritschy

University Chancellor Rennie Fritschy spoke about the $9.2 million worth of construction on the campus as being "the largest investment in infrastructure this campus has had since I commenced as Chancellor in 1996".  This investment is part of a total $50 million currently being spent on infrastructure across all campuses.

The facility extends the number of beds available on Mackay Campus from the existing 22 to a total of 94, catering for an influx of students taking on an expanded range of degrees.

CQUniversity is keen to extend its accommodation options even further in coming years.

"Mackay is one of the fastest growing cities on the eastern seaboard and has a population that demands university education - CQUniversity is going to be that University," says Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Scott Bowman.

"A top priority for CQUniversity is to increase university participation rates of Central Queenslanders. Having this accommodation facility available to local residents, should alleviate difficulties in finding accomodation in Mackay", says Mr Fritschy.

Average floor space of each unit? Average unit floor area = 17 sqm + balcony (3.8sqm).

Facilities including any mod-cons of note?  This is a state-of-the-art facility and each unit has wireless internet connection for the convenience of students in residence.  We have also included electronic message boards so that general information can be passed on to students on a regular basis. 

Is there a live-in manger?  There is a resident manager.  We also have regular security patrols day and night which cover the residential precinct.

Are there common areas?  There is a fully-equipped common room facility with lounges, microwaves, internet availability, tea and coffee-making facilities and an electric barbecue for the use of students.

What's the configuration of each unit? Each unit is air-conditioned and has a king-size single bed, an ensuite bathroom, ample storage, desk and chair, bookshelves and a fully-equipped kitchen with microwave.  We have also provided three units for people with a disability and there's lift access to all floors.  There is lockable bike storage and a fully-equipped laundry facility. 

Are there security features? Security features include fire alarms, smoke detectors, building evacuation speakers, emergency lighting, proximity card readers for security access to entry doors, security door reed switch, emergency telephone, and closed-circuit television surveillance cameras (CCTV). 

Any other features of note? New fibre-optic communication cabling, on-site car parking, passive design features such as 2 x 3-level louvre screens to promote natural ventilation within the building, extra storage area, privacy screens to each individual unit, and re-use rainwater collection for toilet flushing.

Has there been a delay in completion and why?  Across Queensland the construction industry has had to deal with delays due to the early onset of the wet season, two cyclones and floods in Rockhampton and Brisbane breaking the supply chain for construction materials. 

How was the facility built? This is a unique project in that the pods or units were all fabricated off site in Brisbane.  Each pod was fully fitted out with joinery, kitchen, bed etc and transported to site and placed one on top of the other with a frame arrangement to hold them together and provide the roof structure.  This has resulted in a high-quality product and was delivered in eight months compared to (potentially) 14 months for a traditional build scenario.  This also meant that the civil works and infrastructure services were completed at the same time, significantly reducing the time-frame for construction.  The unit complex meets all building code standards and is fully cyclone rated.

Is CQUniversity pleased with the outcome? Given the original need to provide quality student accommodation at the Mackay campus in a tight time schedule, everyone who has seen these units are pleased by the quality of the finishes and the amenity provided, both in the units and the common areas.  Overall it's a great result for current and future students thinking of studying at CQUniversity Mackay.