USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said proposed funding of $20 million towards the expansion of the Fraser Coast campus was great news for the future of education in the region.

Yesterday’s Federal Budget included $172.9 million for the Hinkler Regional Deal to support initiatives to boost economic growth and create job opportunities in the Bundaberg-Fraser Coast region.

“Lobbying for improved infrastructure and educational provision at Fraser Coast is something we've been working hard at since we took responsibility for the Hervey Bay campus in 2016,” Professor Hill said.

“It is gratifying to note that local federal members and Fraser Coast Regional Council see USC as a key component of the region's future and have included the expansion of the USC Fraser Coast campus as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal.”

Professor Hill said it would allow USC to provide the Fraser Coast community with modern, best-practice university teaching and learning experiences, and respond to the education and employment demands of the region.

The proposed expansion includes a new three-story, purpose-built Health and Innovation Hub with a student commons, health simulation and laboratory space, planning and design studio and specialist outreach facilities.

Professor Hill said USC was looking forward to working with Council to progress this exciting project once the funding details were finalised.