JCU’S $24M HEALTH KICK

Research centre opens new frontline in war on tropical diseases

JAMES Cook University will today officially open the doors to its $24.5 million research centre devoted to fighting tropical diseases. The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine Centre will battle scourges such as dengue and malaria.

STUDENTS at James Cook University have accused management of trying to “derail” a protest about the university’s planned restructure.

But the university’s managers say students have been kept fully in the loop, and their feedback about proposed changes is always welcome.

A protest at JCU’s Cairns campus has been planned for 11am today, in response to the university’s plans to axe 15 jobs at the campus and ditch several courses.

The protest will be held an hour after a student forum to discuss proposed staff and course changes is to be held on campus.

Protest organiser Raechel Oleszek claimed the forum had been hastily arranged by university managers after news of the protest was made public late last week.

“At no stage have students been provided information which outlines the changes, and they have not been invited to provide feedback,” she said.

She claimed the announcement about the student forum was JCU management's “damage control.”

“Now we are offered meaningless consultation after protests on both campuses,” Ms Oleszek said.

“Clearly, the timing is an attempt to derail (today’s) protest march which coincides with the grand opening of the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine on campus.”

A JCU spokesman said students had been invited to provide feedback throughout the consultation process.

“JCU is hosting student forums at the Cairns and Townsville campuses this week to explain the proposed changes, address concerns raised in student feedback received to date, and to answer any additional questions students have,” he said.

“The Cairns forum will be held at 10am to ensure students can also attend the planned protest, which starts at 11am.”