Column Piece: CQ Today

I'm often proud of our University' but this week I was particularly pleased to see our latest Times Higher Education (THE) Reputation Rankings.

Over the past few years' CQUniversity has improved its place considerably in these rankings and we're now placed in the top 500 universities in the world for reputation – this is a terrific result.

CQUniversity jumped almost 150 places to 458th in the world in these rankings' which are based on the world's largest invitation-only survey of senior' published academics from across the globe.

This reputation sentiment was also mirrored in the recent QS World University Rankings where our academic reputation improved by nearly six per cent from the previous year.

It's a testament to the impact a regional university like CQUniversity can have on its communities. It is also an insight into what our communities – our students' alumni and industry partners – think of us.

It's a reflection on the quality of learning' teaching and research that is being produced in the regions' and particularly at CQUniversity.

The rankings results also provide evidence of why it makes sense for the Federal Government to be investing in both infrastructure and student places in our region.

So it was welcome news that CQUniversity would be receiving 364 student places over the next two years in the latest Budget' along with a slice of the funding to provide fee-free TAFE places and technology upgrades.

Regional Queensland is in the grip of a massive skilled worker shortfall' which is hurting industry productivity and economic growth. Investing in regional universities like CQUniversity is one way the Government can address this issue.

CQUniversity's mission is to create as much educational opportunity as possible for regional Queenslanders. Allowing more regional students to study at university is one way of closing the opportunity gap.

We know that students who study in regional areas are far more inclined to work in regional areas once they graduate. That makes for much more sustainable communities and helps to grow the attraction of living in regional Queensland.

That is why I continue to advocate for regional Queensland' and CQUniversity; to help us continue to build this great place we call home.