Greenfield university sustainability leadership in a new environment...our experience in the Sunshine Coast, AustraliaMike Hefferan, PhDPro Vice Chancellor and Professor Property and DevelopmentOffice of Engagement, University of the Sunshine CoastTalloires Leaders Network Conference, Madrid, Spain June 2011

Mike Hefferan June 2011 2

Today’s presentation

1. Some context...• The Sunshine Coast Region• The University

2. Key challenges3. Our approach to sustainability

Mike Hefferan June 2011

TAS

3

Where we are... South East Queensland

Population

Australia 22.3 million

Queensland 4.5 million

Brisbane 1.95 million

Sunshine Coast 313 thousand

NT

WASA

QLD

NSW

VIC

Mike Hefferan June 2011 4

Click here for more photos of USC and media clip

Mike Hefferan June 2011 5

USC Mission...

‘To be the major catalyst for the innovative and sustainable

economic, cultural and educational advancement

of the region, through the pursuit of international standards

in teaching, research and engagement.’

Mike Hefferan June 2011 6

Facilities:Size (hectares) 100Campus master plan started 1994Current student population 8,500Current teaching and research staff 187Current other staff 330

Research themes:Centre for Healthy Activities, sports and exercise (CHASE)Genecology Research GroupSustainability Research Centre

Off-campus CentresUSC Noosa CentreDilli Village Environmental Centre

University of the Sunshine Coast

Mike Hefferan June 2011 7

Emerged/emerging specialty areas:

Sustainability- community- water

Life sciences Genomics / Forestry - Fisheries Urban development

- economics- planning- engineering

Research Centres

Regional Engagement 2011

External context: Engaging with

purpose Linked offers –

teaching, research and engagement

Regional profile and leadership

Building links

Internal context: Building interest and

commitment Building knowledge Projects Regional

engagement as an academic discipline

Mike Hefferan June 2011

Mike Hefferan June 2011 9

Our approach to sustainability... Strategic positioning of USC

What is really important to this region / community?

Manifestationsi. The site ... bare land to ‘Envirodevelopment’ 6 starii. Research centre in sustainability (water inundation

and community impacts)iii. Research station – Fraser Island (world heritage)iv. Genomics – fish and hardwood timbersv. Focus / events / coordination

Mike Hefferan June 2011 10

Greenfield university sustainability leadership in a new environment...our experience in the Sunshine Coast, AustraliaMike Hefferan, PhDPro Vice Chancellor and Professor Property and DevelopmentOffice of Engagement, University of the Sunshine CoastTalloires Leaders Network Conference, Madrid, Spain June 2011