Over 100 invited guests enjoyed lunch with Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson on Friday as he unveiled the federal government’s plan to fund a science and technology precinct based at Central Queensland University Mackay.

CQU Vice Chancellor Professor John Rickard and Head of Mackay Campus, Professor Phillip Clift were among the invited guests at the lunch held in the grounds of CQU Mackay.

According to Mr Anderson the proposed science and technology research precinct will establish Mackay as a “high quality tertiary education centre.” “Research will be linked to major opportunities and industries in this region, and major ‘tenants’ will include the Sugar Research Institute and the APACE ethanol research and development group”, he said.

“The $8M will be provided over two years and will include the design, construction and fit-out of a research and development facility”, said Mr Anderson. “The research centre will enable the development of collaborative partnerships and research of a world class standard, and [the facility] will also be a location for a pilot plant, archives and other support industries.".

In addition, the research facility will house up to 40 leading scientists who be available to assist PhD and postgraduate students at Central Queensland University. It will help with the retention of research jobs and according to John Anderson it is estimated that “$15M over five years will be retained by the [Central Queensland] region,” [as a result of this facility].

Mr Anderson praised the contribution of Mrs De-Anne Kelly, the Federal member for Dawson, in promoting this initiative in Canberra.

As well as enabling research into alternative uses for sugar to be focused in a region where sugar is already a major part of the economy, the precinct hopes to attract international researchers to the Central Queensland region with a focus on other local and international issues such as water usage, conservation, mining and wildlife.

Professor Clift is extremely pleased with the announcement, particularly as it will attract academics and researchers from around the world. “This research precinct will add to the Mackay economy and make our region an increasingly important contributor to the growth of education and research in this country”, he said.

“It is a testament to CQU and the Mackay campus that the Federal Government has the confidence to support us in this way. I think this is just the beginning of a brighter future for the Mackay campus”, he said.

CQU’s Vice Chancellor Rickard is certain this will be an important facility and further assist CQU to become “regionally relevant and internationally significant.".

During his speech Professor Rickard talked about the need for regional universities to become the lifeblood of regional towns and cities and the importance of engaging in activities relating directly to the region.

“The science and technology research precinct will provide support for the local sugar and mining industries and be a major boost to accelerate the development of CQU”, he said.

Photo caption: Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson announced the Federal Governments pledge of $8M over two years for a Science and Technology Research Precinct to be located at CQU Mackay Campus.

Photo caption: Federal Member for Dawson, Ms Deanne Kelly, has campaigned hard to secure funding.