The $100 million plus project to relocate The University of Queensland’s School of Veterinary Science to the Gatton Campus will reach a pivotal moment this week when it opens its doors to its first year students.
First year and continuing students start semester one at the Gatton Campus on March 1.
The Dean of the UQ School of Veterinary Science, Professor Jon Hill, said 550 veterinary science students were moving to the campus. 80 percent of the students are women.
“There will be an extra vitality and an economic boost to the Lockyer Valley, deriving from the increased student population,” he said.
“We see the arrival of the School at Gatton as an opportunity for greater industry collaboration, particularly with dairy and beef cattle, swine production and equine operations.”
New veterinary services this year will include an equine hospital opening mid-year to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options for racing and pleasure horses; a companion animal hospital; and diagnostic pathology services to provide faster turnaround to veterinary practices from Ipswich to the Darling Downs.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science and Campus Director Professor Roger Swift said that it was an important time for the Gatton Campus as the move would substantially boost the number of students and staff on the campus.
“The relocation of the School of Veterinary Science has been an ongoing project for many years. It is very exciting for all of the people involved to see it nearing completion,” Professor Swift said.
“It is a great opportunity for the students as they will have access to world-class teaching and research facilities, along with access to the animal production units including beef and dairy cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and poultry as well as the Centre for Advanced Animal Science.”
“The arrival of the Veterinary Science students to Gatton will increase student numbers which is very positive for both the campus and the community. We are looking forward to welcoming them to their new campus and brand new facilities.”
The new Vet School facilities include the Veterinary Medical Centre, Veterinary Teaching Laboratories, Clinical Studies Centre and the Veterinary Science Building. In addition, a number of other facilities on the Gatton campus including the library, laboratories and lecture halls have been upgraded.
The Veterinary Medical Centre is still under construction and due for completion mid-year. It will be the last building to be handed over to UQ and comprises a Small Animal and Equine Clinic which will be open to the public.
The official opening of the School of Veterinary Science is expected to occur in June, 2010.
Media: Professor Jon Hill, telephone 07 54 601 967, Erin Pearl, telephone 07 54 601 229 or Jan King 0413 601 248.
