CQU relationship delivers results

A water-conserving project, creative pathways and collaborative input to a range of regional advocacy initiatives are among the outcomes of a Memorandum of Understanding between Cairns Regional Council and CQUniversity.

A report to Council today revealed that the MOU has helped to deliver environmental, artistic and economic outcomes, noted CQU’s commitment to investing in Cairns and highlighted a number of significant milestones during the past 12 months.

These include the official opening of the university’s Cairns Aviation Centre, the introduction of a digital media degree and the establishment of the First Peoples’ Think Tank, which aims to have a key role in moving towards a proactive approach to reconciliation in Australia.

The report noted ccollaborative activities undertaken by CQU and Council in 2019, including:

Smart Urban Irrigation Project: Under this joint project, new sprinkler heads have been installed along the Cairns Esplanade, along with flow and moisture sensors which are connected to a smart network that determines when irrigation is needed.Art Attack: Council and CQU have worked together to create pathway opportunities for emerging artists in the region, including performances at various Council-led public events.Shield Street Activation: CQU students performed at two of Council’s Shield Street activation events.Cairns Region City Deal Proposal: CQU’s AVC provided input into the Cairns Region City Deal Proposal and the university is one of a number of stakeholders that has formally provided support for that proposal.

The four-year MOU between Council and CQU was signed in November 2016, with an option of extending the agreement by a further four years.