A fragile balance between development and environment
5 January 2008
When the University was master-planned in 1994/95, and when that master plan was reviewed after every five years, there were certain themes that were given emphasis.
One was a strong environmental emphasis: we did not want broad acre asphalt car parking to become so extensive that it would eventually destroy the ‘green’ campus.
Secondly, we also felt that the campus ought to be seen as a part of the growing surrounding community and not become a separate enclave with a life of its own. Thus we would try to utilise commercial and leisure facilities nearby, and we would avoid fencing the campus.
Both of these important emphases in the master plan are currently under strain.
Most of us know that on most days of the term time week, parking demands exceed our 1,000 available spaces. We have a detailed consultancy under way, and coupled with the A$5 million bus interchange which will be in place early next year, and along with increased public transport, we will be in a position in 2008 to make decisions about pay parking and multi-storey provision. University Council will make decisions on those parking solutions in 2008.
On the other master plan emphasis, in recent weeks we have decided to fence part of our northern boundary. This is not to separate and demarcate the University boundary but to try to reduce the road kill of our kangaroos, and prevent them from entering those areas at Sippy Downs of intense road development at present.
It is not a comprehensive solution and some kangaroo movements will bypass the fencing, but we feel it will help. A special committee is coordinating work on a long term plan to keep the kangaroo population healthy and protected.
Increasing numbers of students are becoming involved in studies which clarify these problems and hopefully, with the help of staff, and the neighbouring community we will be able to find long term solutions that enable humans and animals to co-exist on the University campus.
Professor Paul Thomas AM is Vice-Chancellor at the University of the Sunshine Coast.