CQU Bundaberg is ready for expansion thanks to this week's (Thursday, November 16) official opening of a new $4.7 million Academic and Research building, following soon after a $685,000 renovation of the Library Information Commons.

CQU Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard said today is an important milestone in the development and evolution of CQU Bundaberg.

"We've achieved a lot in Bundaberg in a relatively short time," he said.

"This facility will help underpin the next phase of growth and service to the Wide Bay region".

Of the $4.7 million required to build the new facility, the Federal Government has provided $1.9 million from DEST Capital Development Pool funding with the remaining $2.8 million from CQU.

Federal Member for Hinkler Paul Neville said he was immensely proud of Bundaberg's CQU campus and the key part it plays in the region's economic and social life.

"It fulfils a role far beyond the traditional education activities of universities," he said.

“The campus has proven that a university doesn’t have to be city-based to provide students with top quality academic and research facilities, and the new centre will build on that reputation. It will also foster on-campus research, which has been of growing importance in recent years.

“By helping to develop the campus research capabilities in the areas of science, information technology, multi-media studies and interactive journalism, the Australian Government is giving students even more reason to consider studying in Bundaberg".

CQU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Jennelle Kyd said inclusion of a science laboratory meant chemistry and biology students would now have science facilities easily accessible on the campus. She thanked Wide Bay Institute of TAFE for sharing its laboratory facilities with CQU students over the past decade.

Professor Kyd said the facility contained dedicated research facilities, some committed to information technology/multi-media/interactive journalism research. Academic staff offices and a meeting room were also included.

Acting Head of Campus Dr Helen Huntly paid tribute to former campus head Professor Alex Grady for initiating and planning the project and to Tropical Architects, local builder Murchie Constructions and CQU Facilities staff members for bringing it to fruition.

Dr Huntly said the facilities will enable expansion of programs including nursing, science, environmental science, human movements and Bachelor of Learning Management Secondary (Biology/Chemistry).

"The multi-media lab and sound recording studio will enhance the research of the Bundaberg Media Research Group and hopefully enable them to attract further research grants and additional post-grad students," she said.

"Two of the 4 dedicated research rooms have already been allocated to environmental research groups, with a full-time research fellow and possible research assistant taking up residence".

Photos: MP Paul Neville, Dr Helen Huntly and Professor Rickard at the official opening ... and Desirae Kirby (Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health sub-Dean) with a few friends in the new laboratories.