CQUniversity Australia is proposing a $67-million 2-year building project to establish Australia's most integrated and advanced tertiary education facility focused on the resources sector and its future workforce needs...

The Resources Innovation Australia Precinct, a world-first, would be featured at CQUniversity Knowledge Village Mackay, the community-focused site which will strategically co-locate vocational education providers, government and industry at the University's campus.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Jennelle KydThe project would create 330 new construction jobs over the next 2 years and eventually attract up to 1200 new students to multiple learning providers located across the campus.

"This is the right time to invest in education infrastructure. The government at all levels wants it, industry wants it and the community want it," said CQUniversity Deputy Vice-Chancellor Jennelle Kyd.

The Resources Innovation Australia Precinct, featuring a 7500 square metre multi-use building, will provide shared access to a range of specialised facilities, equipment and people, such as simulation technologies, laboratories (engineering, science and light industrial) and an eLearning Hub. The Precinct will create a knowledge-rich environment for Australia's future workforce within the resources sector to leverage experience, conduct research, network, learn and innovate.

"By 2020, CQUniversity intends to be Australia's most accessible university - accessible to industry, government and students, especially students who are under-represented in the education system. An inclusive project like this which puts collaboration and the exchange of knowledge at the centre of those relationships is essential for future jobs, innovation, technological advancements, research and the sustainability of our community," Professor Kyd added.

As part of the Village, the Precinct will also feature the Mackay Trade Training Centre and provide facilities to accommodate a number of additional integrated education and training providers, industry and other organisations.

Recently, CQUniversity commenced preliminary work on the construction of its Technology and Information Resource Centre at the Knowledge Village, a $23 million project which gets underway next year.

"With the right investment from government we can ensure that Mackay, Central Queensland and our resources sector remain competitive and resilient to economic slowdowns and boom times," Professor Kyd said.

CQUniversity has applied to the Federal Government's Education Investment Fund for $50 million to complete the Precinct building project as early as 2011. Other funds would come from the University and co-investors.