In response to the discussion paper, Review of Regional Loading – Issues for Regional Provision, the QRC has backed Queensland’s regional universities as being important to the future of the resources sector.

In the submission, industry bodies have called out their support for government funding allocations, which will be necessary to deliver “quality teaching and learning outcomes” for regional universities.

“Queensland’s resource sector operations and planned new projects are typically located in regional and remote locations,” QRC chief executive Michael Roche said.

“Regional universities will increasingly be part of the essential social infrastructure to sustain regional and resource communities.

“Research shows that access to local universities increases local retention of a workforce.

“Regional universities are also vital for many indigenous people and young people who may not want to, or who cannot afford to, move to South East Queensland to attend university.”

In the submission, QRC highlighted the CQUniversity’s Pathways Project and the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy as examples of universities and industry working together to deliver quality education for a local workforce.

QRC has highlighted the growing importance of CQU and James Cook University (JCU) to the resource sector.

In 2010, QRC has partnered with CQU and JCU to offer two scholarships at each university worth $10,000 per year for up to four years, over the duration of a student’s engineering or science degree.

“QRC hopes that these four scholarships will give some young Queenslanders the opportunity to study in their local communities and to position themselves for a rewarding career in Queensland’s resources sector,” Roche said.

In July 2009, the QRC and CQU signed a memorandum of understanding to address skills shortages in the Queensland resources sector.