$70M for UQ is in the national interest

New national funding of $69.9 million will be invested in better facilities for UQ students and staff, in areas ranging from innovations in animal health to modern learning spaces.

The Australian Government today (December 12) made two important funding announcements for UQ, enabling the University to plan or consolidate significant learning and research projects.

The funds are:
- $47.2 million towards the completion of new UQ School of Veterinary Science facilities at UQ Gatton (the total project is worth more than $100 million)
- $22.7 million to create or renew teaching and learning infrastructure.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield, said the funds would enhance the experience of students and staff and lead to better outcomes for partners in industry, research, government, the non-government sector and the community in general.

"These investments in learning and research will yield widespread benefits in areas including the workforce, animal health and welfare, and the learning environment of Australian and international students," Professor Greenfield said.

"The $22.7 million for teaching and learning infrastructure is a welcome surprise for UQ. We had asked the government to fund the veterinary project but had not sought the $22.7 million."

The government today advised UQ and other universities of one-off funding for teaching and learning spaces in 2009, from the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Higher Education.

"I congratulate the government for making university infrastructure a feature of its efforts to stimulate the economy," Professor Greenfield said.

Media contact: Fiona Kennedy 3365 1384 / 0413 380 012