UQ has welcomed yesterday's announcement by Federal Education Minister Julie Bishop of $3.5 million funding towards construction of the Veterinary Science Equine Clinic and Hospital at its Gatton campus.
The funding was awarded as part of the Capital Development Pool (CDP) program for 2009 and 2010.
Chair of the School of Veterinary Science Relocation to UQ Gatton Project Committee Professor Trevor Grigg said the Veterinary Science Equine Clinic and Hospital would form an important part of School’s planned $75 million relocation development.
The project is expected to be completed by mid 2009.
“Relocating the core facilities of the School from the St Lucia to Gatton campuses is a major undertaking,” he said.
“Once completed, UQ Gatton will undoubtedly host the most comprehensive animal teaching and research facility in Australia and probably the Southern Hemisphere.”
Professor Grigg said the University had already committed $20 million towards the project.
The Commonwealth Government had been asked to commit further funding, with the balance to be raised by a dedicated capital fund raising campaign.
The Capital Campaign President is Dr John Reid, AO, and there is an experienced Campaign Director, Ms Janice Wilson. The campaign will be officially launched later this year.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science Professor Roger Swift said the relocation of the core facilities of the School of Veterinary Science to the UQ Gatton campus would consolidate the School’s activities on one site, while still maintaining essential links with the University’s St Lucia campus.
He said a $33 million Centre for Advanced Animal Science was also being developed at UQ Gatton in conjunction with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
“It is estimated the School of Veterinary Science would bring about 700 additional people to the Gatton Campus, many of whom will live in the Gatton area, including students and staff and their families,” he said.
“The School is actively seeking to strengthen industry links and partnerships in the lead-up to the move.
“Once established, the Vet School in conjunction with the new Centre for Advanced Animal Studies currently under construction, will be a leading international facility which will meet standards required for all major accreditations of the veterinary science program, including those of the United Kingdom and North America.”
“In addition, the location of the Equine Clinic at the Gatton Campus will result in growth of equine related activities in the region”.
Professor Swift said the Vet School relocation development would incorporate state-of-the-art teaching facilities and modern research infrastructure.
“It will increase the ability to integrate activities of the School of Veterinary Science with animal teaching and research conducted within the Centre for Advanced Animal Studies, and the Schools of Animal Studies, Land, Crop and Food Science, and Natural and Rural Systems Management, already based at the Gatton campus,” he said.
“It will not only support the School of Veterinary Science’s vision, but will significantly enhance the School and campus contribution to the Lockyer/Brisbane Valley/Darling Downs communities.”
Media: Further information Jan King 07 3365 1120.
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