When it comes to progressive growth, the University of the Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay campus at Petrie continues to shine.
In just four years, the campus has almost doubled its floor space, with the official opening of three new buildings in April. The new buildings sit opposite the campus’s foundation building, with the $100 million project culminating in the completion of stage 2 of campus construction.
UniSC vice-chancellor and president Professor Helen Bartlett said the new buildings would provide students with more areas to study, collaborate and socialise.
“Ever since we decided to build our university campus here, we have had an ambitious vision for a comprehensive modern campus and it’s wonderful seeing that come to life,” Professor Bartlett said.
The modern buildings include additional teaching and learning spaces, research laboratories, an industry hub and event space, a student gym and sports hall, a sports science facility, student social spaces, an Indigenous engagement and success space, outdoor spaces and amenities as well as multi-level parking. Scientists based at the campus will continue their local research from the new state-of-the-art laboratories.
Local Research Hub
Other research being conducted at the campus includes partnering with City of Moreton Bay building entrepreneurial talent in Moreton Bay, resilience building, economic development and building reputation in this space.
Professor Bartlett said that with 4700 current students studying close to 90 programs at Moreton Bay, the campus growth had exceeded expectations.
“There was enormous demand for a university campus at Moreton Bay before UniSC arrived and we continue to see many non-school leavers enrolling as well as the traditional school leaver cohort from local secondary schools,” Professor Bartlett said.
Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting couldn’t speak more highly of the local university campus, noting its central location and what it offers as highlights to the community.
Local University
“UniSC Petrie is our university – that’s what locals tell me when we talk about the range of study options available at the campus,” Mr Whiting said. “If you’re from North Lakes, Deception Bay, Burpengary East or Mango Hill, people now know they can truly aspire to a university education within our own community, without the need to leave home to do it.”
Some of the popular programs at UniSC Moreton Bay include Nursing Science, Primary Education, Social Work, Biomedical Science and the university’s introductory program Tertiary Preparation Pathway.
Visit www.usc.edu.au to find out more.
This story appeared in the June 2024 issue of the North Lakes Guide.
