Country Universities Centre in South Burnett proposed
The South Burnett Regional Council is considering a proposal to bring a Country Universities Centre to the region, and wants the public to have their say. VOTE IN OUR POLL:
South Burnett
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The South Burnett Regional Council is considering a proposal to bring a Country Universities Centre to the region, a move that could expand higher education opportunities for local students and drive regional development.
Division 1 councillor Jane Erkens on Wednesday said on social media the council was discussing applying for a uni centre.
“We believe that we could grow our own workers and encourage people to do degrees that can be used in our own area,” Ms Erkens said.
The CUC model is designed by regional communities to address their specific educational needs, providing a flexible and community-driven approach to higher education.
Each centre is locally owned, governed, and driven by an independent board of directors, to ensure learning solutions are tailored to the unique challenges of the area.
There are 11 CUCs in New South Wales, three in Victoria, and three in Queensland, with another to open in Mt Isa.
The CUCs have gained national recognition, supported by state government seed grants and federal funding through the Regional University Study Hubs program.
Community response to Ms Erken’s was overwhelmingly positive.
Justine Cisneros said the idea was “forward thinking”.
“We have to take whatever the region is offered to help bring the infrastructure we need,” Ms Cisneros said.
Nanango resident Maxine Whitbread, who has returned to her studies later in life, emphasised the potential for revitalising the TAFE in Kingaroy.
“I would love to continue studies in the evening with like-minded people … maybe even offer a bus from the centre of Kingaroy or nearby towns to and from TAFE for the evening classes,” she said.
Therese Potts echoed the sentiment and said the Kingaroy TAFE was “completely under-utilised”.
“How wonderful to offer an alternative opportunity to live at home, learn locally, and earn regionally,” Ms Potts said.
Some concerns raised included Evelyn Richardson, who questioned the prioritisation of the project.
“Can we get the roads fixed to enable all people, including the proposed future students, to travel safely?
“The roads should be the number one issue,” Ms Richardson said.
Ms Erkens has called for further community feedback on the proposal as discussions continue.
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