A statewide tour of engineering communities makes stops Rockhampton, Friday 5 July, at the Campbell Street Research House, the research “home” project managed by Central Queensland University and the Queensland Department of Housing. Mrs Leeanne Bond, president of Queensland’s top engineering body, the Institution of Engineers Australia’s (IEAust) Queensland Division, believes Rockhampton has developed a reputation as a commercially successful and investment-rich city.

The research house, an essential part of Queensland’s Smart Housing program, was constructed to test and apply sustainable design, contemporary technologies and building materials.

“The fact that Rockhampton has invested, especially through its local University CQU, in innovative research and development and is experiencing rapid growth in such fields as sustainable housing and railway engineering shows that Rockhampton is capitalising on its diverse engineering skills,” Mrs Bond said.

“Leanne Bond recognises the importance of our efforts to research renewable energy and develop housing that... protects the natural environment,” said Peter Wolfs, Associate Dean of Research at CQU. The university is currently conducting related research in flyash masonry, a by-product of coal-generated electricity.

Mrs Bond and the IEAust Queensland Executive Director, Mr Richard Moore, will be meeting with representatives of the Department of Public Works to view the Campbell Street Smart House project (pictured) and will visit Australia’s national railway research faculty at CQU.