Monday 14 December

Huge boost for JCU and the tropics

According to a media release from JCU, the Federal Government grant announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, on Friday will make the Cairns region an engine room for Australia’s engagement with the tropical world.

“The grant will enable the University to build an iconic building to accommodate the Cairns Institute and deliver infrastructure that is essential to its development by housing research, research training, laboratories and learning spaces, conference, exhibition and engagement spaces,” said James Cook University Vice Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding.

The Cairns Institute is a new international research, consulting and training hub based on James Cook University’s Smithfield Campus. It was established in 2008 and began operating this year in temporary quarters.

“The $19.5 million from the Federal Government goes a very long way towards the cost of the building and confirms the Government’s commitment to regional development, education and research, and to boosting Australia’s contribution to the development of our neighbours in the Asia Pacific region,” Professor Harding said.

We have established the Institute and appointed world renowned academics but until the Institute has its own building their work will be restricted,” she said. “Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister is a huge boost for the University, for the Cairns region, and for Australia’s engagement with the tropics.”

Mr Jim Turnour, the Member for Leichhardt said "The Cairns Institute will make the Cairns region a hub for tropical knowledge and innovation, and help our region to lead the world in tropical expertise.  It will provide opportunities for local people to study and work in a world class institute and attract students and researchers from around the world with an interest in tropical studies".

The Cairns Institute is dedicated to advanced studies in the social, economic and human development issues of the tropical world with the capacity to develop human potential and enhance the quality of life in northern Queensland, northern Australia, Asia and the near Pacific.

“While the ‘hard sciences’ are important, the big challenges are human challenges of adaptation and change, poverty and health, inequality and justice,” Professor Harding said. “That’s what this Institute will focus on in a grounded way – not only world class research, but world changing practice.

“It will be the premier social development, capacity building and training centre in Australia’s north.  It will attract researchers, academics, policy specialists and other visitors either as consultants or to undertake further training. it will be a site and catalyst for innovation on issues associated with industries, economies, peoples and societies in the tropics,” she said.

“Other key issues of interest to the Institute include challenges of rural and regional economic development, tourism impacts, and climate change.”

The construction of the $25 million Institute building is expected to be finished in 2011.

The Institute already has six internationally renowned professors as Tropical leaders, 11 Visiting Scholars, and more than 20 Senior Fellows and Fellows.

Along with Higher Degree research students and Post-doctoral researchers, the Institute is expected to expand to 125 staff and students.