INTERNATIONAL WATERCENTRE ATTRACTS STUDENTS TO SMART STATE

A Masters Program developed through a joint venture by four of Australia’s leading universities will help make Brisbane a focal point for training and expertise in water resource management Premier Peter Beattie said today.

Mr Beattie said the new Masters Program for Integrated Water Management would attract national and international students to Queensland.

“The Masters Program will be hosted by the International WaterCentre at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus from next year,” Mr Beattie said.

“The International WaterCentre is a joint venture between the University of Queensland, GriffithUniversity, MonashUniversity and the University of Western Australia,” Mr Beattie said.

“The Masters Program will lift the profile of Queensland and Australian expertise in water management and is a further boost to Queensland’s SmartState reputation.

“The Queensland Government is providing $2.4 million over four years to support the International WaterCentre, a partnership that also includes the International River Foundation and the Southeast Queensland Healthy Waterways Partnership.

“Australia is a recognised world leader in innovative water supply and wastewater treatment technologies and we are exporting that expertise to the world.”

Mr Beattie today launched the three new water management courses being offered from July 2007. They are:

·A three semester Master of Integrated Water Management; and

·A one semester graduate certificate and a two semester Graduate Diploma of Integrated Water Management.

“The Programs are committed to equipping water professionals from within Australia and overseas to effectively respond to the global water crisis,” Mr Beattie said.

“Not only will these courses help build local skills in water management, they will also further boost Queensland’s international reputation for high quality education.”

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15 December 2006