CATHERINE KING MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MEMBER FOR BALLARAT
 
TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION
SHADOW MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MEMBER FOR SYDNEY
 
NITA GREEN
LABOR SENATOR FOR QUEENSLAND


NEW CQ UNIVERSITY CAMPUS IN THE HEART OF CAIRNS
 

An Albanese Labor Government will bring secure jobs, skills and new opportunities for Far North Queensland by investing $50 million to build a new CQ University campus in the heart of the Cairns CBD.
 
This new campus will be built on the long vacant block on the corner of Grafton and Hartley streets, creating 330 construction jobs and bringing up to 4000 students to this prime city location.
 
This is over double the capacity of CQU’s existing Cairns Square location on Abbott Street. 
 
This is a long-term investment in the future of Cairns. By 2030, CQU expects the new campus to deliver a $500 million injection into the Far North and more than double the number of local students from 2000 to 4000 – a huge boost for Cairns businesses.
 
This investment will allow CQU to expand course offerings to educate more health workers and manufacturing workers – so they can train and stay in the local area. This investment in key skills will bring even more secure Australian jobs to Cairns and beyond.
 
Until now, CQ University’s Cairns campuses have been developed without any government support. To help the university take the next step, an Albanese Labor Government will be ready to step up.
 
Only an Albanese Labor Government will make the smart investments that Far North Queensland needs now and into the future.
 
Comments attributable to Catherine King, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development

‘This announcement is about creating secure local jobs and allowing more locals in Cairns and across the region to get a top-class education right where they live.
 
‘An Albanese Labor Government will invest in infrastructure that makes a real difference to the lives of Australians in Cairns and in regions right around Australia.
 
‘We know that projects like this are just what regional cities like Cairns need, creating Australian jobs and delivering a better life for working families.’
 
Comments attributable to Tanya Plibersek, Shadow Minister for Education

‘We don’t want Cairns locals having to move away to get the education they need for the job of their dreams.
 
‘Cairns’ world famous lifestyle should have the jobs and the education to match – and that’s what Labor will deliver.’
 
Comments attributable to Elida Faith, Labor Candidate for Leichhardt

‘This is an incredible announcement for our Cairns community and the entire Far North.
 
‘This will allow our young people to get an education close to home as well as employing locals in the construction phase.
 
‘Once open, the campus will draw more people into our CBD, which will have huge flow- on benefits for local businesses across the city, allowing them to employ even more workers.
 
‘As a member of an Albanese Labor Government I will work hard to secure more funding for projects just like this.’

WEDNESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2021