GLADSTONE Ports Corporation and Central Queensland University this week signed an agreement that will see the two organisations join forces to build regional capacity through education, training and research.
The memorandum of understanding signed by CQUniversity vice-chancellor and president Professor Nick Klomp and GPC chief executive officer Craig Haymes sets out a number of key focus areas related to community engagement, sustainability, innovation and future workforces.
Through the MoU, CQUniversity and GPC will collaborate on new projects and combine resources to design initiatives that will benefit community and industry within the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions.
The priority areas that form the foundation for the agreement include engagement with First Nations Peoples; environmental and social governance; research through the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC); workforce education and training; innovation and technology; future trade; and decarbonisation.
The priority areas will be supported by the development and delivery of new research programs into environmental sustainability and renewable energy, as well as the delivery of industry informed hi-tech training and education courses that meet the future workforce needs of regional industry.
Mr Klomp said the agreement represented an important strategic alliance between the two organisations who serve communities in the same regions.
“CQUniversity and Gladstone Ports Corporation share many similar aspirations when it comes to building capacity within our regions, so the formalisation of this agreement today makes good strategic sense,” he said.
“The agreement will help to strengthen our already strong partnership with GPC and allow us to collaborate more closely on projects and initiatives that will create impact and enable both organisations to work together on achieving outcomes that are underpinned by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”
Mr Haymes said by working more closely, both organisations would be able to create a greater impact when it comes to building capacity and future proofing the region in relation to workforce development, environmental sustainability and innovation and technology.
“There is a fantastic opportunity for both organisations to come together to start planning for the future and ensuring the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions are prepared for new industry and technological demands,” he said.
“Through this agreement we want to contribute to our regions by delivering the skills and knowledge that the workforces of tomorrow will need so that we can support industry innovation and resilience.
“We also want to leverage the expertise of leading marine, environmental and renewables experts to ensure we are implementing practices that seek to benefit the sustainability of our local regions.
Initiatives and outcomes related to the MOU will be overseen by a joint Advisory Committee made up of nominated executives and subject matter experts from both organisations.
