A vet school for the future

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Tags: animals, buildings, Gatton, philanthropy, summer-2010, veterinary science

After years of detailed planning and fundraising, The University of Queensland’s $100 million-plus School of Veterinary Science complex was officially opened in August at the Gatton campus.

The Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, opened the state-of-the-art facilities at a function attended by hundreds of industry, academic and community representatives.

Dean of Veterinary Science Professor Jonathan Hill said the relocation was an exciting development for Australian veterinary education.

“This complex is the most modern in the southern hemisphere and the most comprehensive animal research and teaching centre in Australia,” he said.

“The development unites the school in a setting suited to learning and discovery in veterinary science.

“It provides state-of-the-art teaching facilities for UQ’s 550 veterinary science students and a vitality and economic boost to the Lockyer Valley.

“We see the arrival of the school at Gatton as an opportunity for greater industry collaboration, particularly in the areas of dairy and beef cattle, swine production and equine operations.”

Professor Hill said construction of the new facilities and recruitment of additional staff had transformed the student experience and enhanced learning outcomes.

“This development ensures UQ will remain a leading centre of excellence in veterinary teaching and research for future generations,”
he said.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said $71 million from the Australian Government (including $47.2 million from the Education Investment Fund) and the generosity of donors, including many UQ alumni, had made the facilities a reality.

“The new-generation Gatton campus opens opportunities for students and staff, and shores up our capacity to deliver strong learning and research returns on the investments of the Australian and Queensland Governments, industry and private donors,” he said.

This investment complements the $33 million Centre for Advanced Animal Science (funded by the Queensland Government and UQ), and a $6.9 million upgrade of dairy teaching and learning facilities, in partnership with the State Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

The new infrastructure includes the Veterinary Science Building, pre-clinical teaching laboratories, and the Veterinary Clinical Studies Building.

UQ also recently unveiled the $23 million Veterinary Medical Centre within the complex.

By Jan King

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