$26 MILLION FOR VETERINARY SCIENCE AND TROPICAL
AGRICULTURE AT JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY
10 May 2005 MINBUD 23/05
Recognising the importance of the tropical sciences,
the Australian Government is providing $26 million to James Cook
University for veterinary science and tropical agriculture.
This Budget will provide infrastructure funding of
$12 million over two years towards a new veterinary science school
at James Cook University’s Townsville campus.
The University will also receive 50 new veterinary
science places to establish a new undergraduate degree Programme in
veterinary science at the school from 2006. The school will produce
veterinarians specialising in tropical animal diseases and with
skills in the prevention and early detection of diseases in
livestock.
Funding for 50 new undergraduate places will also be
allocated to create a new undergraduate degree Programme in tropical
agriculture, giving graduates an expertise in tropical plants and
exposure to vital research in areas such as sugar cane production.
These 100 new places in veterinary science and
tropical agriculture commence in 2006 and will rise to 274 places by
2009, at a cost of $13.9 million.
Expert understanding in tropical animal diseases and
in tropical agriculture is vital to Australia’s national prosperity.
New diseases can have devastating consequences across the nation.
Equally, breakthroughs in the production of plants that thrive in a
tropical climate can boost crop production and the livelihoods of
many Australians, particularly those in rural and regional
communities.
It is essential that Australia continues to develop
expertise in these fields. The new veterinary science school and
undergraduate courses will help position James Cook University as a
leader in the teaching and research of veterinary science and
tropical agriculture and will further enhance Australia’s
international reputation in these fields.
These measures are a reflection of the Australian
Government’s commitment to providing the communities of Far North
Queensland with greater opportunities in education and research.
Media Contacts:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Virginia Cook 0412 971 323
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