A re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will provide $35 million towards infrastructure at the Moreton Bay Regional University Precinct.
Treasurer the Hon. Scott Morrison today joined Local Members Luke Howarth, Peter Dutton and Wyatt Roy to announce the funding as part of the Turnbull Coalition Government’s national plan for jobs and growth.
“Every element of the Coalition Government’s economic plan is designed to boost jobs and economic growth. This funding will help to drive economic and employment opportunities across the Moreton Bay Region and beyond,” said Treasurer Morrison.
The funding will support capital works to be undertaken by Moreton Bay Regional Council to develop the 200 hectare site, which is planned to include a campus of the University of the Sunshine Coast, shared community facilities, sporting facilities, and opportunities for local businesses to grow.
Today’s announcement follows strong advocacy in support of the precinct from Local Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth, Local Member for Dickson, Peter Dutton and Local Member for Longman, Wyatt Roy.
“I’ve been lobbying hard for the university for six months now and have had multiple meetings with the Prime Minister and the Minister for Education and Training,”
Mr Howarth said.
“I’m pleased to have been able to deliver this funding commitment today, to ensure a new full-service university campus is built in the Moreton Bay Region.”
Mr Dutton said the precinct would help support local jobs and the local economy.
“The university project is a wonderful opportunity for our communities across the Moreton Bay Region,” he said.
“It will create new jobs and grow the local economy, but importantly it can become a hub that attracts other facilities to our region.”
Mr Roy said: “This is a long-term investment in our region that’ll help foster innovation and create jobs locally.”
The Council estimates the project will provide a $950 million annual boost to the regional economy and create 2,100 ongoing jobs in the region.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor, Allan Sutherland said: “I am delighted for the region as it is guaranteed that the university can now proceed”.
The precinct will include an industry innovation hub to bring together business and researchers to foster the growth of new business.
The precinct will also provide opportunities for local school students to learn the latest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), including computer science and coding.
Beyond the precinct, the site is expected to boost regional activity, including accommodation, education and health, finance and business services and trade.
The university aims to attract 10,000 students over the next decade and will focus on innovation and science to ensure that local students are learning the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
Graduating students are expected to help meet growing demand for a skilled workforce in the region and across the nation.
The Council plans for the site to be a new heart for business, government and an education community in the region.