CQUniversity Australia
 

Engaging Indigenous people within Higher Ed

CQUniversity's Office of Indigenous Engagement recently hosted a visit from the Oodgeroo Unit of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), at Rockhampton Campus.

Professor Anita Lee Hong, Director of the Oodgeroo Unit, and Lone Pearce, Project Officer, met with Office of Indigenous Engagement staff to discuss employment issues and best practice models for engaging Indigenous people within the higher education sector, including governance matters.

Full Details…

Other News…

'Tequila' plants fuel interest in Rocky region 

Published on 28 May, 2009 

The first field trials of 'tequila plants' are due to start in the Rockhampton region in coming weeks, following a visit from an AUSAGAVE Australia representative, hosted by CQUniversity.

The plants used to create tequila in Mexico are being considered for ethanol production in Australia and Queensland has the ideal climate, plus the existing infrastructure of sugar mills and processing facilities.

PhotoID:7228, Dr Ashwath (right) shows Don Chambers around the facilities on campus
Dr Ashwath (right) shows Don Chambers around the facilities on campus

Botanically known as Agave tequilana, the plant which produces tequila is one of the most water-efficient in the world. 

LINK here for video coverage

CQUniversity Associate Professor Nanjappa Ashwath has been helping South Australian agave grower and AUSAGAVE representative Don Chambers plan field assessments on land owned by farmers in the Rockhampton region.

Mr Chambers has been propagating the plants, ready for trial plantings.

Once the crops have been established, growth rates can be checked and tests can establish whether sugar content makes the plants commercially viable for ethanol production.

Dr Ashwath will also establish trial plantings under glasshouse conditions on Rockhampton Campus.