$320 million EXPANSION

 

A MASSIVE $320 MILLION has been invested across Griffith University's five campuses, including the most significant in the University's 40-year history, the $150 million Gfiffith Health Centre on the Gold Coast.

 

Located in the middle of the Health and Knowledge Precinct and directly across the road from the State Government's $1.76 billion Gold Coast University Hosipital, the health group is set to become a world leader when it is completed in 2013.

 

It is the catalyst for the University's largest growth over the next decade with student enrolments set to tip 21,500 by 2010 on the Gold Coast enrolments amassing more than 16,500.

 

Griffith Vice Chancellor, Professor Ian O'Connor, is confident the roll-out will position the health group as a world leader in research across a vast range of interrelated health disciplaines including dentistry, psychology and physiotherapy.

 

""This is the most exciting educational precinct in the country," Professir I'Connor says, surveying the vast construction site from his office.

 

"You've got the fastest growing campus, a comprehensive research facility and you are doing it in the 21st century. This means you are not bound by the old disciplinary divides. You have this opportunity to put something together that has not been done before.

 

"There are no figidities of the past. You have this opportunity where a comprehensive health campus is positioned alongside the University Hospital and the fantastic connectivity with the planned light rail, so it's very exciting space."

 

Since 2004 the University has invested around $220 million to develop capital infrastructure and staffing to expand a suite of health-focused education and research programs. Significant capital infrastructure projects have included the Centre for Medicine and Oral Health.

 

Premier Anna Bligh has trumpeted the project and surrounding developments as one of the most significant health commitments in the state and boost to the local economy.

 

"The Health and Knowledge Precinct will be home to new industries driving the Gold Coast's economic development and prosperity" the Premier says.

 

"The Gold Coast Health and Knowledge precinct provides a unique opportunity to bring the visions of the Queensland State Government, Griffith University and the Gold Coast City Council together to drive economic growth for the city and surrounding region over the next 10 to 15-year period."

 

Then there's the connectivity--the $1.8 billion ligh rail project, linking Griffith to city's CBD and restaurant and retail bubs where cosmopolitan meets coast at places like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

 

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan says when stage one of Gold Coast Rapid Transit is complete in 2014 it will be a world-class public transport system which will drammatically change the way people move around the coast.

 

"The 13-kilometre dedicated light rail corridor will service the new Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University, Soughport medical precinct and the fast growing commercial, retail and recreational centres of Southport, surfers paradise and Broadbeach," she says.