Sod turn for Central Queensland University Cairns CBD Campus

The new Central Queensland (CQ) University Cairns CBD campus is another step closer to reality, with representatives from the Australian Government and the university gathering today for a ceremonial sod turn at the Hartley Street site.

The purpose-built campus will expand access to education and training in Far North Queensland and help develop the skilled workforce needed to support the region’s continued economic and population growth.

Once completed, the four storey campus will include digitally enabled collaborative teaching spaces, quiet study areas, computer laboratories, student common areas, support facilities and modern staff workspaces.

It will also feature specialist teaching spaces and laboratories supporting disciplines including allied health, engineering, nursing and medical imaging – responding directly to areas of current and emerging workforce demand across the region.

The new campus will provide contemporary and flexible facilities that allow CQUniversity to sustainably grow its education, training and research activities in Far North Queensland.

Importantly, it will help address the region’s workforce needs by enabling more people to gain the qualifications and skills required in critical areas such as health, nursing, medical imaging and engineering.

Once operational, the campus will support the delivery of 58 courses across a range of disciplines and provide capacity for CQUniversity to respond to future education and workforce priorities.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This sod turn marks an important step towards delivering a campus designed around the future workforce needs of Cairns and Far North Queensland.

“By providing more opportunities for people to study locally, we can help retain talent in the region, strengthen the pipeline of skilled graduates and support local employers and industries.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“This is going to help more young people in Far North Queensland become the nurses, engineers and frontline health workers the region needs.

“It means more young students will build their futures right here every year.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith:

“Turning the sod on the new CQUniversity Cairns Campus is a significant milestone which will activate our CBD in new and exciting ways.

“Since my election campaign I’ve been advocating heavily for this project, and the Albanese Labor Government committed $77.5 million towards this new facility. I’m extremely proud to see this project develop as we deliver for Leichhardt.

“As an engine powering the nearby expansions to the hospital and surrounding health facilities, CQUniversity will deliver highly trained and qualified staff, including nurses, paramedics, radiographers, and more.

“This is part of the Labor Government’s holistic and ambitious plan for the Far North – the Common User Facility will grow the maritime industry, supporting 4,600 new local jobs; and the expansion of the Cairns Western Arterial Road will enable greater numbers of commuters to reach their destination safely and on-time.

“Students tend to work and stay in the towns they graduate in, and by investing in these pillars of our society we are also investing in future generations of families that live, work and thrive in Far North Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Northern Australia and Senator for Queensland Nita Green:

“We know that when people have the opportunity to study close to home, they’re more likely to stay home and contribute to the workforce here.

“That’s exactly what this new campus will enable for Cairns students, and that’s why our government is proud to invest in this project.

“This campus will help to build the future radiographers, physios and thanks to our government those students will also be supported with paid prac.”

Quotes attributable to CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp:

“CQUniversity has a proud history of delivering accessible, high-quality education across regional Australia.

“We are excited to be delivering a campus that will support the people, industries and communities of Far North Queensland for generations to come.”