July 20, 2023
The Local Government Association of Queensland has welcomed a Federal Government announcement of 20 new regional university study hubs.
However, there’s no indication yet where these hubs will be located.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare announced on Wednesday that $66.9 million had been allocated to establish 20 Regional University Study Hubs and 14 in suburban centres across Australia.
The hubs would be located in spots without a significant physical university campus and where the percentage of the population with university qualifications was low.
The locations would be determined through an independent process run by the Department of Education.
The hubs would provide students with access to computer terminals, high speed internet, video conferencing as well as access to academic support.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said the organisation hoped Queensland would be positively reviewed during the evaluation process for the hub sites.
“Regional university centres mean country kids don’t have to leave home to study and workers can upskill without leaving their communities,” Ms Smith said.
“That helps build a critical mass of skilled people in our towns and regions, making them more vibrant places to live.
“Our members have been grappling with serious workforce challenges but they know when you can teach and train your own locally, they are more likely to stay in that community and give back to their community.
“With people living in regional Queensland less than half as likely to gain a bachelor qualification compared to their metropolitan counterparts, Queensland councils have championed the cause of rural, remote and Indigenous communities deserving quality opportunities to pursue study opportunities without the need to relocate.”
In February, South Burnett Regional Council discussed the need to open a Country Universities Centre within the region.
They endorsed a plan to create a management committee to work on the project.
- Related article: Uni Hub Plan For Kingaroy
