$100 million project to open at Petrie

UniSC Moreton Bay will officially open three new buildings today – almost doubling its campus floor space in just four years.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said it will add 12,500sqm to the 16,000sqm of the foundation building, opened in 2020.

The $100 million project was stage two of the University of the Sunshine Coast campus construction, which has totalled $240 million so far.

“These new buildings will provide students with more areas to study, collaborate and socialise,” Professor Bartlett said.

“Ever since we decided to build our university campus here, we have had an ambitious vision for a comprehensive modern campus - and it’s wonderful seeing that come to life.”

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There are additional teaching and learning spaces, research laboratories, an industry hub and event space, student gym and sports hall, sports science facility, student social spaces, an Indigenous engagement space, outdoor areas and amenities as well as multi-level parking.

Scientists will continue research from new laboratories, including Dr Dominique Potvin, whose animal ecology research focuses often on local birdlife including the famous white ibis and Dr Ben Gilby, whose coastal and marine research includes restoration of oyster reefs.

Professor Bartlett said with 4700 current students (70 per cent from Moreton Bay) studying close to 90 programs at Moreton Bay, the campus growth had exceeded expectations.

“There was enormous demand for a university campus at Moreton Bay before UniSC arrived, and we continue to see many non-school leavers enrolling as well as the traditional school leaver cohort from local secondary schools,” Professor Bartlett said.

A Student Experience Survey ranks UniSC highly making it the best public university in Queensland and among the nation’s top two.

“We have worked closely with Council, including to develop on-campus opportunities for business leaders to connect with researchers, industry experts and a pipeline of skilled graduates so they can innovate and build their businesses,” Professor Bartlett said.

“We are ensuring we align graduates with growth industries in Moreton Bay and beyond and connecting our researchers with the community to meet local and global challenges.”

Popular programs at UniSC Moreton Bay include Nursing Science, Primary Education, Social Work, Biomedical Science and the university’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway.

“Over 40 per cent of students at the Moreton Bay campus are the first in their family to study and 70 per cent are Moreton Bay residents; we know this demand will just grow,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“Co-locating start-ups, entrepreneurs and innovators alongside students and researchers is a way for businesses to connect with their future workforce and drive additional opportunities for collaboration.”