Deputy PM talks up role of new Mackay Campus facility
Published on 19 May, 2010
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, at CQUniversity Mackay this week (May 18) to open the new $7.85m Technology and Information Resource Centre, was presented with a 'be what you want to be' tote bag by Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman.
Accepting the gesture, Ms Gillard - also the Minister for Education* - had told an audience of CQUniversity supporters that the University's vision of innovation and community and industry outreach was making a positive difference to Mackay.
"As the University services the region [it is] working in partnership [and] in collaboration, inviting the community in... to work with the University. I'm pleased to see this development," Minister Gillard said before unveiling a plaque, with Federal Members for Capricornia, Kirsten Livermore and Dawson, James Bidgood, to mark the official opening of the two-storey resources centre.
Mr Bidgood said the project was the result of carefully invested funds and the resolute long-term vision of the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, teaching profession and students.
"I was here for the sod turn in November 2008 and it's great to be back to help with the official opening," Mr Bidgood said.
Ms Livermore said she was delighted the Federal Government was able to contribute to the University's development.
"This new building is the start of a very bright future for the University as it moves to increase student accommodation and develop educational experiences that are responsive to both the marketplace and our changing environment," Ms Livermore said.
Head of Campus Dr Pierre Viljoen, who is also Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community & Engagement), said the new building contains a new generation library known as a learning-commons, filled with different social and learning spaces, as well as the latest learning and teaching technology.
He said the new Centre accounts for the first-stage development of the Knowledge Village at CQUniversity Mackay.
More images from the Deputy PM's visit
"CQUniversity is entrusted with a regional mission to catalyse and drive local growth, prosperity, regional development and innovation through engagement," Dr Viljoen said.
"As CQUniversity Mackay strengthens its links and creates new programs to support the mining industry and medical sciences sector, this structure will help the University foster intellectual networks, provide technical expertise and contribute to local social infrastructure.
"The structure also provides a physical space where CQUniversity can expand on its collaborative and integrated workplace learning models.
"Over the next three years, the University will enhance its arrangements with other learning providers and engage more industry and business in the Mackay area to provide undergraduates with more work experience.
"These relationships will increase the reach of the University's successful integrated workplace-learning model (the Co-op) and help maintain integrated workplace learning as a component of CQUniversity programs."
CQUniversity's financial input to the new facility was extended by a federal capital development grant of $2.122 million, with additional funding for the Information Commons of almost $500,000. Both the Commonwealth amounts were funded from the Capital Development Pool (CDP) Fund, under the administration of DEEWR.
More images from the Deputy PM's visit
* Ms Gillard is Minister for Education, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Social Inclusion.
