Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I often talk up the important industries that drive the Capricornia economy in Central Queensland. Amongst these is our growing intellectual industry spearheaded by Central Queensland University.

Recently, I was delighted to host the Prime Minister in Rockhampton, where he officially opened a state-of-the-art allied health teaching facility known as Building 34 at CQ University. This project was funded by a $7.6 million contribution from the Australian government. The centre includes treatment beds, simulation labs, occupational therapy and biomechanical exercise spaces. I congratulate CQ University vice-chancellor Professor Scott Bowman and his team on his vision for this project. Health is among our biggest industries in Rockhampton outside of mining and beef. Building 34 will help train new health professionals, which in turn will help address skill shortages in the allied health sector across rural Queensland.

Meanwhile, I congratulate CQ University chancellor and former engineer Rennie Fritschy on his recent retirement. Chancellor Fritschy made an outstanding contribution to leadership within the university and our local community. It was my pleasure to host recently the federal Minister for Education at CQU's campus in Mackay in my electorate of Capricornia, where he officially opened the new Rennie Fritschy Engineering Building as a tribute to the outgoing chancellor's work.