Fire at research station

Staff and students were safely evacuated when fire broke out at 4am today at The University of Queensland's Heron Island Research Station 80km from Gladstone.

A number of buildings, including the station's research laboratories and part of the staff accommodation have been destroyed in the blaze. The laboratories received accolades in the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture regional awards last year.

University Secretary and Registrar Douglas Porter said the cause of the fire was unknown but senior University staff would visit the site today to ensure the welfare of staff and students and assess damage.

"The University expresses its sympathy to all those affected by the fire, especially researchers whose work is severely impacted," he said.

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