The Queensland Government has announced it has granted approval for the merger of the Central Queensland University and the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CGIT) to form a single dual sector university.

 

State Minister for Education, John-Paul Langbroek, said State Government had granted final approval for the merger process after two years of negotiations.

 

“This decision will provide the Central Queensland community with access to a quality education provider, delivering a full range of programs to meet the skills needs of the region,” Mr Langbroek said.

 

Mr Langbroek said work would now commence on the details of the planned merger to ensure CQU could operate as a dual sector university from 1 January 2014.

 

“The community has been very vocal in its support for this merger and I have no doubt this outcome will enhance the training opportunities in the region,” he said.

 

“By joining the brands together, it is expected that a dual-sector institution will attract a greater number of students from both the international and domestic student markets.”

 

As part of a merger agreement, responsibility for the TAFE’s six campuses at Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Biloela, Yeppoon and Emerald and its other six centres of operation at Clermont, Barcaldine, Blackwater, Moranbah, Dysart and the Trade Training Centre under construction at Ooralea in Mackay will transfer to CQU.