UQ defends proposed sale of Redland Bay farm

The University of Queensland’s Redland Bay farm was an under-utilised asset with declining value as a research site, UQ Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said today.

He said significant misinformation was being spread about the proposed sale of the farm and the extent and significance of research at the site.

“While the University can understand those with a special interest in the site conducting a public campaign against its sale, some of the claims being made are highly exaggerated,” Professor Greenfield said.

“The sale would not jeopardise research into the drought-resistant leucaena plant and certainly would not undermine the future of agriculture in Australia as some opponents have boldly suggested.

“UQ has a long-standing and well-respected leucaena research project at its Mt Cotton farm just 10km away. A small leucaena plantation has existed at UQ Gatton for 25 years. Much of the research currently conducted on the Redland Bay farm can be moved to a nearby site with similar soil and climate characteristics.”

Professor Greenfield said the Redland Bay farm was used very little for undergraduate teaching and it was increasingly difficult to conduct some types of research there because of urban encroachment.

UQ Secretary and Registrar Douglas Porter said the sale could free up much-needed funds to support ongoing research with more modern facilities and to support other research and teaching activity in the University.

“While some of the land at the Redland Bay farm was funded from a bequest, there was no formal association between the two,” Mr Porter said. “A significant portion of the proceeds of the sale would continue to be used for the betterment of farm-based industries.

“In an ideal world, UQ could hold onto assets like the Redland Bay farm for the relatively small group of people who use it.

“The harsh reality of the current university funding environment is that we do not have that luxury. In fact we have an obligation to our students, taxpayers and supporters to use our resources and assets efficiently and for the widest possible good.

“The UQ Senate has not yet made a decision on the sale of the Redland Bay site. Expressions of interest have been called for and zoning and other community issues have been discussed with the local council. The Senate will consider these matters, and other internal and external representations, before reaching a decision on this matter.”

For more information phone UQ Communications on (07) 3365 6060 or (0413) 458317.