University and Council meet to discuss joint initiatives

The new Toowoomba Regional Council visited the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) on Thursday 1 May 2008 to discuss how the two organisations can work together for the benefit of the region.

Councillors met with the University Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Deans to examine initiatives to improve the region.

USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Lovegrove said he was very pleased with the outcomes of the meeting.

'It's a really exciting meeting at an exciting time,' Professor Lovegrove said.

'With the new Toowoomba Regional Council on board and USQ in the midst of renewal and revitalisation it's an ideal time for the two organisations to come together and work out how they can pool resources to help further develop the region.

'One of the key areas we spoke about was working together on the sustainability of the region especially in terms of water.

'We also want to work towards developing innovative ways to meet the skills shortages with cadetships, work experience and other incentives.'

Broader marketing of the Toowoomba region as the Education Region was discussed in the meeting as well.

The two organisations will work towards developing the existing research capacity through the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments which focuses on sustainability of water and catchment management in Australia at the University.

'We have agreed on a series of action items and have organised a follow up meeting in the future,' Professor Lovegrove said.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Peter Taylor said he was eager for Council to develop its relationship with USQ.

'I think the big thing is how the new Toowoomba Regional Council can work with the University to help one another. That's why we came today, to identify ways to assist one another,' Councillor Taylor said.

'Obviously the University has skills and expertise in areas that even a large Toowoomba Regional Council with 1400 staff doesn't have. Nor do we have the capacity to undertake research in all areas of our operations.

'In things like water, air and greenhouse gas emissions, the University can use its research capacity to assist us as well as in areas such as engineering and with other technical skills.

'We want to be able to partner with the university for assistance with research in engineering roads and bridges and in future to supply the region with more skilled people.

'Through cadetships, scholarships, HECS fee incentives we can encourage more young men and young women to enter into these professions where there are shortages of workers.

'I've been talking to the Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor for some time to see how we can work together and integrate the University into the community.

'This is day one, but it's a good beginning.'

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559