The University of Queensland Senate has voted to move ahead with the possible sale of the University’s Redland Bay farm site.
University Secretary and Registrar Douglas Porter said the decision last night was subject to a suitable price being offered and a time-scale that protected current research work by postgraduate students.
Mr Porter said some of the proceeds would be used to relocate research facilities to other sites and for the replacement of essential research infrastructure.
“The Senate also endorsed the reimbursement of the Sir Edwin Tooth Bequest Fund with an appropriate share of the proceeds of the sale,” Mr Porter said.
“This is a recognition that some funds from this Bequest were used to extend the area of the original farm. There was never any formal link between the Bequest and the farm.
“The University will now review the administration of the Bequest to best match its original purposes with the current organisational structure of the University.”
Mr Porter said the Senate had taken into account the various representations from staff and community groups in making the decision.
“The Redland Bay farm is an under-utilised asset with declining value as a research site because of the urban encroachment around it,” he said.
“It is used very little for teaching purposes and the faculty which controls the site is confident the sale will not threaten significant research.
“If the sale goes ahead, it will free up much-needed funds to support ongoing research with more modern facilities and to support other research and teaching activity in the University.
“The University has an obligation to its students, taxpayers and supporters to use its resources and assets efficiently and for the widest possible good.
“The Senate decision is a reflection of that obligation.”
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