$47m 'science place' a boost for university

THE number of students studying science, technology, engineering, maths and health courses at James Cook University is set to double after a $47 million investment from the Federal Government to build a new tailor-made teaching facility.

The federal funds will be used to help JCU build an $80 million facility to be called "The Science Place" at the Douglas campus.

JCU will contribute about $32 million to the project and the remainder will come from the CSIRO, which will also have a presence at The Science Place.

The facility will use audio-visual and video-conferencing technology to enable students from across Queensland to learn in interactive sessions with teachers and other students.

Acting Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan will announce the funding today during a university tour.

"This targeted investment gives students in Townsville access to better quality education and training opportunities, helping to support increased participation and the skills needed in the region," he said.

"Our substantial commitments to building up tertiary education facilities will continue to open vital doors for our universities during the Asian Century."

The project is expected to create about 530 jobs during construction, which will be completed in late 2015, and up to 51 permanent jobs at the university to cater for the increased student intake.

JCU vice-chancellor Professor Sandra Harding said the Federal Government's investment in The Science Place would have a multiplier effect throughout the region's economy.

"This is an amazing investment in the development of the capacity of North Queensland," she said.

"Science, engineering and maths are skills crucial to the development of the regional economy.

"The Science Place will enhance our capacity for research and expand our teaching capability.

"It will be unlike anything else in Australia."

Tertiary Education Minister Senator Chris Evans said the investment at JCU would allow more regional students to access higher education.

"The Science Place will transform the way tertiary education is delivered across the whole of northern Queensland," he said.

"It is a new way of thinking in how we deliver education services, particularly in rural and remote regions."

Source: http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/12/19/372358_news.html

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