$3.5 million for new engineering building

A $3.5 million cheque is presented to the University of Adelaide: (from left) the Chancellor, the Hon. John von Doussa QC, Federal Education Minister the Hon. Julie Bishop, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha, the Federal Member for Boothby, Dr Andrew Southcott, and the Liberal candidate for Adelaide, Ms Tracy Marsh.
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Returning to their alma mater, the Federal Member for Boothby, Dr Andrew Southcott (Medicine), and the Federal Education Minister, the Hon. Julie Bishop (Law), speak with Engineering and Arts double-degree student Aaron Russell, a student representative on the University's Council.
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Friday, 11 May 2007

Federal Education Minister the Hon. Julie Bishop has today handed over a $3.5 million cheque to the University of Adelaide to contribute to a new engineering building, which is aimed at catering for the significant growth in students in Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences.

Ms Bishop and Dr Andrew Southcott, the Federal Member for Boothby, presented the cheque to Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha and Chancellor the Hon. John von Doussa QC during a visit to the University today.

The new $100 million engineering building is to be built on the site currently occupied by the Mathematics Building on the lower level of the North Terrace Campus.

"The eight-storey building will provide more than 11,000 square metres of space for learning, teaching, research, and other student and staff facilities," Professor McWha said.

"It will be a much-needed addition to our teaching facilities and our campus life. The building will allow the University to develop and grow, and will also improve the overall campus environment, with a three-storey atrium and other open spaces, and public art that will help to reinforce a sense of place and purpose," he said.

"The $3.5 million contribution from the Federal Government is extremely welcome, and will assist the University of Adelaide to remain at the forefront of teaching and research in engineering, computer science and mathematics."

The University's Faculty of Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences currently has 2700 students enrolled, and is predicted to grow to 3400 students by 2011 - a growth of 37%.

"The unprecedented growth in the mining, technology and defence industries in Australia has created a high demand for quality graduates in engineering disciplines," Professor McWha said.

"This new building will help the University to play a key role in providing skilled graduates for South Australia, the nation and the world."

Work on the new building is expected to begin in early 2008.

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