BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 3 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:
Minister for Education and the Arts
The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek
* LandsecuredfornewQueensland Academy forHealth SciencesinRockhampton.
* Academy promises fast-tracked pathways to health careers for Queensland students.
* Partnership between theCrisafulli Government,AlbaneseGovernment and Central Queensland University to invest in regional infrastructure.
* TheCrisafulli Government delivers on election commitment, with accelerated projectscheduled forcompletionin2028.
Fast-tracked careers in health have moved a step closer forCentralQueensland school students,with landsecuredfor thenewQueensland Academy forHealthSciences inRockhampton, set to open from 2028.
Theacademywill supporthigh-achieving local students into careers as doctors, nurses,paramedicsand allied health professionalsin Central Queensland.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are delivering $95 million for capital expenditure.
Securing the site is a significant step towards delivering the new academy for Central Queensland students.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said theCrisafulli Government was delivering on an electioncommitment,and theacademywasaninvestmentin regional infrastructure and educational opportunities to develop the next generation ofhome-growndoctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
"This was an election-commitment and we're proud to be delivering it," Minister Langbroek said.
"The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland's future. And this is a huge investment and an exciting prospect for the students who willattend the new academy, with even broader benefits for the region.
"TheQueensland Academy for Health Sciences, Rockhamptonwill feature purpose-builtstate-of-the-artfacilitiestodeliverhigh-quality and specialisedlearningin health sciences.
"Acombination of on-site specialist facilitiesandshared and virtual learning capabilities means students in regional and remote areas will have access to the academy's programs.
"A partnership with CQU and the existing network of Queensland Academies will provide regional students with access to high-quality educational resources,programsandexpertise, including pathway opportunities into tertiary study and exposure to university learning environments.
"The academy will work in collaboration with health providers, education leaders and tertiary institutions and will help address regional Queensland's growing demand for health workers by preparing students for careers in health."
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said securing the landwasa significant milestone for what is a landmark project for Rockhampton and Central Queensland.
"Securing this site is another important step towards making the Rockhampton Health Sciences Academy a reality," Minister Clare said.
"This Academy will help more young people in Central Queensland become the doctors, nurses,paramedicsand other health professionals the region needs.
The academy is on an accelerated programtosupportopeningin 2028 on thesiteadjacent tothe Central Queensland University Rockhampton North campus.
Itislocatedat 550-554YaambaRoad, Norman Gardens,adjacent tobut separate from-the CQUcampus.
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp saidthe Health Sciences Academy will complementCQUniversity'slongstanding work in building a strong healthcare workforce by inspiring more local students to pursue health careers and providing early exposure to health education pathways.
"By encouraging young people to begin that journey at an earlier age and close to home, we can strengthen the regional pipeline of future doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals from high school to higher education," Professor Klomp said.
For more information, visit:https://alt-qed.qed.qld.gov.au/programs-initiatives/department/building-education/new-schools/rockhampton
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Thomson, 0447 221 816
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
