Plans to establish a Science and Technology Precinct at CQU Mackay would become a reality under the Coalition.

That is according to Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson, who made the announcement in Mackay on Friday (Sept 17).

CQU Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard said the precinct would support two of Central Queensland’s main industries - the sugar industry and the mining industry.

"CQU is a logical partner to undertake research and development activities that relate to these two industries," Professor Rickard said.

"There is considerable work being done in Mackay on alternative uses of all the components of the sugar cane plant.

"R&D associated with sugar milling operations has many synergies with the mining industry and the University is currently exploring the feasibility of a Mining Engineering Centre as part of the Precinct at CQU.".

Professor Rickard said the proposed location of the facility at CQU "progresses our role to serve our communities with products and services relative to the sustainability of the region".

"R&D and the provision of academic programs that meet the needs of these two extremely important industries are a major part of the Mission of CQU," the VC said.

"I congratulate everyone, including Head of Campus Mackay, Professor Phillip Clift, on this significant University-wide achievement.".

The Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of The Nationals, John Anderson, announced that the Coalition would provide $8 million over two years under its Regional Partnerships program to establish the S & T Precinct.

“The S & T Precinct will provide a study and career path for young people from the region interested in science, mining or nursing and add to their opportunities to have secure, well-paid jobs in Mackay,” Mr Anderson said.

“The funding allows for the design, construction and fit-out of a research and development facility that is of a technical and scientific standard new to this region.

“APACE research, which is currently doing extensive research into ethanol production, is a likely tenant for the S & T Precinct, along with the Sugar Research Institute (SRI). As part of the University campus, APACE and the SRI will, for the first time, be able to apply for Australian Research Council grants, which are currently not available for private research facilities.”.

Mr Anderson said the facility will have benefits for local industries, including the sugar and coal industries.

“It’s envisaged that the S & T Precinct could provide state of the art training for the Central Queensland coal industry in the areas of mine safety and general mine management,” Mr Anderson said.

“I congratulate the Member for Dawson De-Anne Kelly for working so hard with the community to achieve this great result for the Mackay region.

“After 8.5 years of strong and responsible economic management the Coalition Government has the ability to put in place programs like Regional Partnerships that work in partnership with the community to create jobs and opportunities in rural and regional Australia,” Mr Anderson said.

Over 100 invited guests enjoyed lunch with Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson in Mackay as he unveiled the Coalition plan.

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".

“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 “$15 million over five years will be retained by the [Central Queensland] region,” [as a result of this facility].

According to Mr Anderson, 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 would attract academics and researchers from around the world.

“This research precinct would 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 would 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: Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson announced the Coalition's pledge of $8 million over two years for a Science and Technology Research Precinct to be located at CQU Mackay Campus.

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