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USC’s sustainable transport efforts rewarded
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s concerted efforts in boosting sustainable transport use among its staff and students have been rewarded.
USC won the Sunshine Coast Council Sustainable Transport Award for its innovative Travel2USC program at the council’s 7th annual Living Smart Awards on Friday 17 June.
The Living Smart Awards – known as “The Glossies” after the glossy black cockatoo on the awards’ logo – are considered the region’s top accolades for sustainability achievements by Sunshine Coast residents, businesses and community groups.
USC’s Operations Manager Richard Maguire said he was delighted to have received the Glossy award from Councillor Vivien Griffin, who holds the council’s Integrated Transport Systems portfolio.
“This award is great recognition for the University’s efforts at encouraging alternative means of travelling to and from USC other than by single-occupant vehicle use,” he said.
Mr Maguire said USC’s achievements included providing land for the construction of a
$6 million bus transit centre on campus, establishing a $55,000 bike hub (featuring lockers, showers and change rooms), creating designated parking areas for carpoolers, and staging a large Ride to Work Day event last October.
He said the University’s joint programs with Sunshine Coast Council and TransLink in providing subsidised bus travel also had helped to almost double the percentage of students and staff who catch buses (up from 4.8% in March 2010 to 8.7% in March 2011).
Mr Maguire said USC employed two part-time staff for its Travel2USC project, which includes monthly events, promotions and competitions and which has its own Facebook page.
“It has not only been about providing infrastructure, but also changing perceptions through education, encouragement and promotions for people to consider different ways to travel to the University,” he said.
Councillor Griffin congratulated USC on winning the Sustainable Transport Award.
“USC has invested significant resources to promote sustainable transport to its students and staff – both in infrastructure and human resources,” she said. “It is an outstanding example in this field, providing pro-active leadership, and a real commitment to protecting the great lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast.”
The University was one of eight Glossy Award winners last Friday, with the main prize of a Golden Glossy Award going to Walker Eco-Access House for the residential construction category.
The event also featured the presentation of the inaugural University of the Sunshine Coast Hall of Fame award.
USC’s Sustainability Research Centre Director Professor Tim Smith presented this award to Elaine Green, recognising her and her late partner, Mark Ricketts, as long-term advocates and activists for sustainable development and environmental conservation on the Sunshine Coast.
— Terry Walsh