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Federal Minister opens USC training facility
Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean has officially opened a state-of-the-art Engineering and Science Training Facility at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The $5 million facility, which received $4.7 million in funding from the Australian Government, has been designed specifically for practical teaching and research in Civil Engineering and Paramedic Science.
Mr Crean told about 100 invited guests at the official opening yesterday (Wednesday 18 May) that the new, semi-industrial building would play a significant role in the growth and development of the region.
“The new building provides facilities for two of the university’s newest teaching programs – Engineering and Paramedic Science – and will provide specialist training for civil engineers on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“I congratulate the University of the Sunshine Coast for bringing this important project to fruition.
“It is a great example of the Commonwealth Government and the University working in partnership to deliver world-class facilities for regional students. And we all know that students who train in the regions are more likely to stay in the regions.”
The 1050 square metre facility features specialised equipment and large, open spaces suitable for medical emergency simulations and a wide variety of engineering tests and experiments. It also has several laboratories and tutorial rooms.
USC’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the new building sends a clear message to the community that the University is committed to providing top-quality programs in Engineering and Paramedic Science.
“This facility will help the University’s growth because people will realise that they don’t need to go to Brisbane to get a professional education,” he said.
Professor of Engineering and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science Health and Education Mark Porter was Master of Ceremonies for the official opening.
Professor Porter said USC’s Civil Engineering degree was the equivalent of any across Australia, yet placed special emphasis on industries important to the Sunshine Coast, like construction, tourism and the environment.
“This building, and the associated infrastructure, represents a new and exciting milestone in the development of this University,” he said. “We are very excited by the possibilities that this building provides for us.”
— Terry Walsh