The dream of pursuing higher education without having to leave home has become a reality for the Western Downs thanks to the official opening of a new Country University Centre.
Situated in Chinchilla, the Country Universities Centre Western Downs (CUC WD) officially threw open its doors on Wednesday and will offer a dedicated study and learning space for higher education students.
The facility will offer students free access to high-speed internet, modern technology, and general
academic support with plans to eventually facilitate up to 200 students.
Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the opening of CUC WD was a milestone for the region.
“For too long, our best and brightest have had to pack up their lives and move away from their regional communities to pursue their dreams of higher education,” Mr Littleproud said.
“However, what the CUC WD offers locals is the chance to chase their academic dreams without having to leave their homes, loved ones, or communities.
“Not only will this allow more people to upskill, but it will also go a long way to helping regional areas combat the skills shortage.”
The CUC WD is partially funded by the federal government’s Regional University Study Hub program which also includes other new facilities across the Maranoa electorate including the Southern Downs CUC in Warwick and CUC Central Western Queensland, which has sites in Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Winton, Boulia, Bedourie, Birdsville, and Jundah.
These sites join pre-existing CUC facilities in St George-Dirranbandi, Roma, and Goondiwindi, which were partially funded under the former Coalition Government’s $53.2 million Regional University Centres program.
“These facilities will go a long way to ensuring the future success of our Maranoa electorate and regional Australia more broadly,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I will continue to push to ensure Maranoa gets its fair share of these sorts of opportunities.”
ENDS
