The Third Phase: Self-Governing CAE (1971 - 1989)

In 1971 QAC became one of Queensland's first colleges of advanced education (CAE) with its own governing council. New courses, a switch from diplomas to degrees, the first postgraduate programs, more emphasis on research, increasing student numbers from Australia and overseas, organisational restructures, and extensive campus improvements marked the passage of this new role.

By 1986 QAC's agricultural focus had expanded to include studies such as tourism, soil and water conservation, wildlife and environmental management, property valuation and food technology. Highlights included two Australian firsts - college training for National Parks and Wildlife staff, and a business degree course in hospitality management.

Reciprocal relationships with business and industry strengthened teaching and research. For example the College won a Bicentennial award for a 1987-89 student project which created the acclaimed Canopy Walk at O'Reilly's in Queensland's Lamington National Park. Other boosts included a new Research Fund, appointment of a co-ordinator of research and the launch of several specialist centres.

QAC's development through the 1980s suited a decade of increasing accountability and sweeping changes for education. It set the scene for the next stage of its history, as the Gatton College campus of the University of Queensland.
 

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