CUC coming to Isaac’s Clermont, Moranbah
Looking to meet demands for higher education over the range the state government has promised millions in funding for new Country Universities Centres in two Isaac communities. DETAILS.
Mackay
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More education opportunities are coming to the Bowen Basin as the state government commits to building higher education venues in the Isaac Region.
The Miles government will be investing $2 million into opening two Country Universities Centres in Clermont and Moranbah bringing the number of regional communities serviced by CUC in Queensland to five.
Deputy Premier and treasurer Cameron Dick said “every Queenslander deserves opportunity regardless of where they live”.
“This means opportunity to have a safe and secure home, access to quality and safe healthcare, good meaningful employment, and the ability to improve themselves through education.”
The Country Universities Centre is an initiative that seeks to provide a more “community driven” educational framework and “promote regional Australian engagement with higher education”.
Isaac mayor and education advocate Kelly Vea Vea said “distance education can be challenging without the right support. This funding is about making sure our potential is not predetermined by our postcodes”.
“Isaac Country Universities Centres in Clermont and Moranbah will offer quality facilities, educational support, programming, and social networks for those undertaking university.”
Despite being home to 24 active coal mines, only 13 per cent of Isaac residents hold bachelor's degrees and, according to reports from the federal department of education, 90 per cent of jobs in the next five years will require some form of degree or qualification.
“As the cost of living continues to rise across the country, leaving home and the regions to access higher education is getting harder,” Ms Vea Vea said.
“Together we can ensure this access to opportunity is at our doorstep.”
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