Consultation on Veterinary School changes

The University of Queensland's Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science is actively exploring ways of minimising the impact of its current restructure on local communities.

Faculty Executive Dean Professor Roger Swift said the restructure was essential but he appreciated the concerns expressed by residents in the Kenilworth area about the possible closure of its veterinary clinic, and was keen to find ways of continuing services within a tighter budgetary environment.

He said a final decision had not yet been made and the matter was being negotiated in line with its enterprise agreement with staff unions. Talks were also being held with affected students.

"The Faculty has put forward a proposal for some restructuring, which included the possibility of closing the Kenilworth veterinary clinic.

"However details of the are still being discussed and we are hopeful the clinic may be able to continue operating in some form. We are actively pursuing this possibility," he said.

"I appreciate the concerns of local residents, and I ask them to understand the difficult task the Faculty and the Veterinary School has of trying to operate within budget in what are tough economic times for the Australian University sector," Professor Swift said.

The future of the Droughtmaster beef cattle herd, presently located at the Pinjarra Hills facility in Brisbane, has been a matter of some debate during the restructuring process.

However after extensive negotiations, Professor Swift says he's willing to agree to a proposal from the Veterinary School to sell the herd in order to improve the School's finances.

'The sale could also contribute significantly to Droughtmaster development in Queensland. Moreover, I can assure local residents that the farm land at Pinjarra Hills will be managed appropriately,' he said.

Meanwhile, The University of Queensland Senate announced on April 19 that it had a policy not to sell the Pinjarra Hills facility in Brisbane.

University Chancellor Sir Llewellyn Edwards said the University would continue to operate its Pinjarra Hills site, including significant research facilities.

For more information contact Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on 3365 1088 or 0413 380012