Moreton Bay businesses are invited to tap into the innovation ecosystem at the .
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s modern Moreton Bay campus, supported by City of Moreton Bay Council has launched a custom-built co-working space that will allow businesses to base their operations alongside research leaders and the next wave of skilled university graduates.
The space coincides with a major campus expansion, with three new buildings set to open in April.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said 10 workspaces were available to businesses committed to making genuine contributions to the Moreton Bay economy, creating jobs and driving innovation.
“We are inviting expressions of interest particularly from local businesses that align with our teaching and research strengths, including business, communication, computer science and ICT, creative industries, design and interactive media, engineering, environmental science and health,” Professor Bartlett said.
She said co-working on campus offered an opportunity for businesses to be a part of the City of Moreton Bay’s ambitious plans to grow the local economy.
“As Moreton Bay prepares to reach 800,000 residents by 2046, there is a clear need for strong links between industry experts, business leaders, researchers and graduates to ensure we have the workforce to support – and benefit from – this enormous growth,” Professor Bartlett said.
“The space is starting to attract a lot of interest and there’s an obvious appeal in moving to a high-tech modern campus and joining a passionate network keen to connect and refer business, share information and pilot new ideas in a supportive environment.”
Since opening the Moreton Bay campus in 2020, UniSC has already graduated hundreds of students from Moreton Bay programs, with many employed across core local industries that include food and agribusiness, tourism, sports and events, advanced manufacturing, health and allied health and high-technology fields.
“Companies are telling us they need skilled graduates and new ideas, and this is a chance for business leaders to connect with academics, meet students and help shape future talent for their industry,” Professor Bartlett said.
UniSC’s Moreton Bay campus in Petrie began with a state-of-the-art foundation building in 2020, located near the Petrie train station. The second stage of construction will officially open in April, adding a further 12,500 square metres to the existing floor space of 16,000 square metres.
Second-stage facilities will include additional teaching and learning spaces, research laboratories, an event space, student gym and sports hall, sports science facility, student breakout spaces, outdoor spaces and amenities as well as multi-level parking.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said City of Moreton Bay’s strong growth and innovative approach to creating a modern city was attracting national and international businesses to the region.
“Council has been supporting companies looking to establish and grow in South-East Queensland and this is the perfect environment for them,” Mayor Flannery said.
“We’re excited to partner with businesses that have a vision to grow in the city to provide employment for residents and build the sorts of business that will contribute to Council’s development strategy.”
“By working closely with UniSC, we are helping fast-track that growth. By bringing together innovators, industry leaders, researchers and talented students, residents are empowered to grow their business or even start new industries.
“The expansion of UniSc Moreton Bay provides additional pathways for students to continue to live, learn and work locally.
“We’re already seeing that come to life with over 41% of students in 2022, the first in their family to attend university.”
Those wishing to apply to join the space can .
