University and government dignitaries officially open Australia’s newest university campus
Australia’s newest university has became an overnight success, exceeding all expectations with Semester 1 enrolments.
Moreton
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AUSTRALIA’S newest university campus has exceeded all expectations and become the university of choice for Moreton Bay residents.
Dignitaries from the university and all three levels of government were at USC Moreton Bay in Petrie today to officially open the campus.
Its 1200 foundation students, many from the local region, were already deep into their semester 1 study programs as the dedication plaque on the foundation building was officially unveiled by Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton.
“It’s great to be here celebrating the opening of a world-class university right here at Petrie in the heart of our region,” Mr Dutton said.
“For the first time, young people will have the opportunity to undertake tertiary study in our region with world-leading facilities.”
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The campus features a 460-seat lecture theatre, state-of-the-art learning technology, nursing
simulation labs, engineering labs, a ‘makerspace’ and library facilities.
There were about 50 undergratuate programs offered on day one with more than 1200 students enroled, tipped to be 10,000 by 2030.
USC vice-chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the magnitude of today’s event could not be overstated.
“To reach this point, it has been a long but rewarding journey for everyone involved – not just for USC but also for the Moreton Bay community, who have warmly supported our quest to build Australia’s newest university campus.”
Prof Hill said that as one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, Moreton Bay was the only location of its size in the country without its own full-service university campus.
“If not for the vision and determination of the Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) and its mayor, this might not have eventuated in this way.
“And if not for the commonwealth and state governments recognising the untapped potential in this region, it would have made the journey to this point a lot longer.”
The campus received $35 million in federal funding under the Community Development Grants Program and a further $121 million on loan, as well as $52 million from MBRC.
Prof Hill said the strong demand for university education in Moreton Bay was clear, with Semester 1 enrolments already exceeding expectations.
“In fact, something remarkable has happened with the opening of this campus, and it should reassure MBRC that it has made a very sensible business decision.
“Despite this being only the first year of a campus at The Mill, QTAC first preference applications indicate that USC has become, overnight, the university of choice for Moreton Bay residents.”
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Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth spoke about the research and tech capabilities planned for the site.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a student in this area,” he said.
I look forward to seeing how businesses in areas like North Lakes, Narangba and Clontarf will seize this wave of business, and all that the stream of well-educated and forward thinking graduates will do to innovate, expand and create new opportunities in our community.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the investment in the campus would provide long term benefits to the region.
“It will also serve as a catalyst for the creation of a surrounding innovation and economic hub that is expected to generate significant employment and investment opportunities,” he said.
“By supporting 100 jobs in construction and creating an expected 2200 ongoing jobs after
completion, in addition to using local businesses and supplies, this project will help bring economic prosperity to Moreton Bay for many years to come.”
Acting mayor Mike Charlton said the project was an emblem of what’s possible when all three levels of government worked together.
“I cannot wait to see Petrie evolve into an exciting new epicentre of learning and economic opportunity that will lure the best and brightest minds from around the world to study, live and work right here in Moreton Bay,” he said.
“Many people don’t realise that The Mill PDA will become a knowledge and innovation hub that’s 50 per cent larger than the Brisbane CBD, which will generate thousands of new jobs and write a brand-new chapter for the Moreton Bay Region.”
The foundation building was designed by architecture firm Hassell Studio to cater for rapid growth of the student population over its first three years.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the government was proud to support tertiary education in Moreton Bay with the $121 million loan that enabled Stage One to go ahead.
“The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring Australian students have access to top quality universities across our cities and in regional areas,” he said.
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