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USC receives sport and health boost
6 June, 2005
Following the State Government's recent announcement of a A$500
million public hospital and A$9.7 million community health hub to
be built on land adjacent to the University, USC has unveiled plans
for a A$6 million sports complex to be built on campus.
Plans include an indoor stadium and outdoor playing fields.
The announcement of two new hospitals, one private and one
public, and a health hub complex to be built adjacent to the
University campus was made by the Premier, Peter Beattie and the
Health Minister Gordon Nuttall following a State Government Cabinet
meeting at the University on May 16.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas has welcomed this Smart
State initiative.
"This is one of the most significant, exciting and valuable
developments for students, the Coast and the University," Professor
Thomas said.
Initially a private hospital will be developed over the next
five years, followed by a public hospital in five to ten years.
There are many synergies that can be created between the
hospitals and the University.
"We can build on our current programs for the training of
nurses, create new areas in health services and medicine, and
extend our research into areas of relevance to the regional
community," Professor Thomas said.
Discussions will begin immediately on the planning processes,
and cooperation between the parties will be vital.
As the need for university research and training increases to
meet the demands of a growing State population, so the need for
universities and hospitals to work closely is also a priority, and
co-location at Sippy Downs will underscore these linkages.
Professor Thomas commented that this would be an opportunity for
the health and education areas to grow in parallel, and the
consequent benefits for the region will be profound.
Also from population growth, infrastructure and communication
perspectives the location is ideal.
"With careful planning the University and hospital linkage could
be a national exemplar," Professor Thomas said.