The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has strengthened its partnership with the Ipswich City Council with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at USQ Springfield yesterday (September 5).
The MOU will help drive greater collaboration and cooperation between the University and Ipswich City Council.
USQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Jan Thomas said under the terms of the agreement, USQ and Ipswich City Council will work together to attract new business and industry to Ipswich and the surrounding region.
“Our partnership with Ipswich City Council continues to grow and is indicative of the hard work being done to identify and develop opportunities around infrastructure, education and research,” Professor Thomas said.
“This agreement will provide many exciting possibilities for students by helping them develop a broad cross-section of experiences with one of Australia’s most recognised local government councils.”
Professor Thomas said the MOU outlines a three year plan which identifies several areas of possible future opportunities and collaboration between USQ and Ipswich City Council.
“At a time when south-east Queensland’s Western Corridor is experiencing significant growth, this agreement will strengthen our role in helping to meet the existing and future needs of the region,” Professor Thomas said.
“USQ will work with Council on developing mutually beneficial projects such as community education and business training programs, as well as strategies to attract and pursue third party funding, including development of infrastructure.
“We also want to develop student scholarships and research grants in areas of relevance to USQ that support the needs and aspirations of rural communities.”
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the signing of the MOU reconfirms the Council’s commitment to working with USQ and bringing even greater opportunities for expansion and development across the Ipswich region.
“Ipswich City Council has been working for a number of years now with USQ across many areas of expertise and the MOU will formalise what is certainly a collaborative and supportive partnership,” Cr Pisasale said.
“We are very fortunate to have one of Queensland’s fastest growing universities have two campuses in our city, offering internationally-recognised on-campus and online learning opportunities for students.”
Original article published at www.usq.edu.au 06/9/16