Townsville now a 2-Uni city and Charters Towers welcomes new Study Hub

Townsville is now a 2-Uni city following the official opening of the CQUniversity Townsville Distance Education Study Centre at 1 Jones Street in the CBD, on September 12.

CQUniversity has also officially opened its new Charters Towers Study Hub at Dalrymple Trade Training Centre, 1-13 MacPherson Road. 

The Mayor of Townsville, Cr Jenny Hill said the new study centre would be a boost for the inner city.

"I welcome the decision to open the centre in the CBD as it is a location council has focused a good deal of energy on in terms of revitalisation attraction," Cr Hill said.

"Providing a local educational hub for students is also something I am sure will be welcomed by those currently undertaking study with the university."

Home Hill-based Paramedic Science student Kelly Clark says she's looking forward to having a study base when she visits Townsville.

 "The Centre will be a place where I can arrange to study and network with other students in my discipline area on a face to face basis, while accessing high-speed internet and other resources. It will certainly become an asset for students throughout Townsville and the NQ region."

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said today's opening in Townsville is "part of a far-reaching national strategy to take the distance out of distance education, giving CQUniversity a point of difference in a crowded educational marketplace".

"The regional strategy for a physical presence in North Queensland is a logical step in supporting thousands of regional students, responding to community demand and preparing for the next phase of growth," Professor Bowman said.

"Celebrating Townsville as a University City and NQ as an Educational Region can only help to grow the magnetic attraction for future students."

At the new Townsville Distance Education Study Centre, students will be able to form study groups, access e-library and internet resources, lodge assignments, participate in live lectures broadcast via high-speed internet, and make academic enquiries. Swipe cards will enable after-hours access. Prospective students, meanwhile, will be able to explore their degree options and start their enrolment process. The Centre will have ample roadside parking for free as well as around eight on-site car parks. There are plans for outdoor seating and a barbecue.

The University canvassed its many NQ-based distance education students and local community leaders to find overwhelming support for expansion of its study centre model, pioneered in Cairns.