Optimisation workshop determining future educational needs

Determining the future educational needs of the Wide Bay-Burnett and Sunshine Coast regions has brought together two universities and a range of community and business people.

The Optimisation Project is a joint project between the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) to look at education needs to the year 2030, both long-term and short-term.

The first of two workshops was held at USQ Fraser Coast recently (Feb 10).

Discussion focused on issues affecting future educational need such as population growth, climate change, a lack of major industry, the global financial crisis, an aging population and young people wanting to leave town when the finished school.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of people from local business, industry, education, government and community groups.

Optimisation Project manager Jo Miller said it was aimed at enhancing the contribution of universities to regional development.

USQ Fraser Coast Provost Ken Stott said the Optimisation Project had the potential to achieve a great deal for the community and the universities.

Prof Stott said real change came about by acting locally.  Professor of Property and Development at SCU Mike Hefferan said the universities had a lot in common and could adapt to suit the future.

Media Contact: Katrina Corcoran, USQ Media, + 61 7 4194 3167