The University of Southern Queensland will construct a new $38m facility at its Ipswich campus to support Allied Health teaching and research.
The new infrastructure – expected to open in mid-2025 – will enable the University to boost access to world-class health training programs and research facilities to improve health outcomes.
The new 3000sqm building will promote the use of clinical, teaching and research facilities across disciplines to ensure community involvement in research and the integration of research into teaching.
UniSQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the new Allied Health facility would make the University a leader in the high-growth western corridor by offering dedicated allied health programs.
“Industry and employer demand for degree-qualified allied health staff is strong and there are high levels of interest from students in these programs,” she said.
“This new infrastructure will help the UniSQ meet a critical need in the community for more allied health professionals to support an expanding population in the Ipswich region.”
The facility will include a sport and high performance clinic and commercial and community space to provide opportunities for industry and health service partners to connect, collaborate and co-locate to generate strong partnerships and the ability to translate health research into practice and policy.
Introduced new programs will include Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Strength and Conditioning this year, and Physiotherapy will be offered from 2024.
The new Allied Health facility will provide additional space and a central hub for these programs, along with the opportunity for highly important health research activity at the university.