Future education demand generates discussion

Ensuring growth in higher education offerings in one of Australia’s fastest growth corridors is the focus of discussions between The University of Queensland (UQ) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

UQ President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj and USQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Jan Thomas said both universities were looking at how they could work together to increase enrolments on UQ’s Ipswich campus.

With the increasing population growth and demand for education anticipated in the Ipswich region over the coming decade, UQ and USQ are considering what options might be available to strengthen demand and address workforce skills needs in the region.

Professor Høj said an agreement to enable USQ to deliver courses on the Ipswich campus would increase use of the campus and hence strengthen its sustainability.

Professor Thomas said both USQ and UQ recognise the need to cater for growing tertiary education requirements within the Western corridor as the area’s population increases.

The future focus for the two universities will be about strengthening the use and sustainability of UQ’s Ipswich Campus by increasing enrolments, diversifying program choices and ensuring that the range of programs offered meets the employability needs of local business and industry.

A joint UQ-USQ steering group will be formed to examine the future educational needs of the region and to identify possible opportunities for the two institutions to work together in order to better provide for the people of Ipswich.

A feasibility study will involve an extensive consultation process with staff and students, community and business partners.

Media: UQ Corporate Relations Manager Carolyn Varley, 3365 1120, 0413 601 248, c.varley@uq.edu.au.

USQ Acting Director of Corporate Communication and Public Relations Judy Halter, 4631 2092, 0409 032 292 judy.halter@usq.edu.au.