WHY CAMPUS IS SMART MOVE FOR THE CITY

MORE than a hundred CQUniversity students graduated at Cairns Convention Centre on Thursday, marking the culmination of a long journey of study. They now step out job-ready into what will hopefully be rewarding careers.

It is a similar journey for the new CQU campus, which has had a long wait just to reach this point of political backing. But now the Coalition has come to the party by supporting the development, matching a commitment already made by Labor, we can look forward to a brighter and more productive future for the Far North.

For an institution that is all about the development of knowledge and skills, this particular proposal was a no-brainer.

Investing in a new CQU campus will increase opportunities for young people, prevent a drain of our best brains elsewhere and it will address the skills shortages in key areas of the workplace.

But there is another important fringe benefit.

The site of this vertical campus building will bring new life to a neglected corner of our CBD. It will bring a big quantity of foot traffic past businesses in a quiet corner, creating a big ripple effect of prosperity and vibrancy.

Anyone who has watched the campaign, especially the leaders’ debates, will have seen the two major parties cancelling each other out as they shout over the top of each other.

This, however, is a moment to applaud their common sense. The fact both parties are backing the project is welcome news because it means whichever side is in government, the work will get done.

It’s a reassuring outcome for voters and for the city. Even if you’re not going to uni, there is a huge economic benefit from uni going there.

Sean Atkins

Chief of staff