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Media Release

December 9, 2004

Bridging the gap between development and the environment

At a time when people across the world are looking at and encouraging sustainable development, the University of South Australia (UniSA) is leading the way by developing an educational focus that brings together development and the environment under the banner of the new School of Natural and Built Environments.

Combining biodiversity, environmental sciences and park management, civil engineering, building and construction, urban planning and project management, the new school will be officially launched today Thursday 9th December from 4pm at Botanic Park.

“Running in the new school format this year, we amalgamated three former schools – Environmental and Recreation Management; Geoscience, Minerals and Civil Engineering; and Geoinformatics, Planning and Building – to respond to the increasing expectations of social, environmental and economic responsibility,” says the Head of School, Professor Patrick James.

“Rather than operating as widely separate disciplines, we have built the new school on a multidisciplinary approach to sustainable development.

“Traditionally there have been two opposing groups – those supporting urban development and mining and those wanting to retain the environment, such as conservation groups. Our school wants to educate professionals who can bridge the gap.”

The school also hosts the University’s Transport Systems Centre and is involved in several research centres, as well as a new Ecocentre, which will be launched next year, and the recently established Centre for Water Science and Systems (CWSS).

“We are working in conjunction with the CWSS to address all aspects of the pollution, reuse and rehabilitation of water resources,” says Prof James.

“Our involvement in many different centres illustrates our strong focus on meeting the needs of the industry through applied research.

“It also ensures our students graduate with knowledge of theory through practical experience, where our programs take students out of the lecture theatre and into the field.”

Chief Executive of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Rob Freeman, is keynote speaker of the launch, and Keith Conlon (Radio 5AA, Channel 9's Postcards) is the MC.

Director for Built Environs and past UniSA building graduate, Mick O’Connor, is also a guest speaker. Built Environs supports the school by providing two annual scholarships.

The Baulderstone Hornibrook Travel Scholarship will also be presented to a Construction Management and Economics Student, giving them a unique opportunity to investigate their industry in another country.

Launch of UniSA’s School of Natural and Built Environments

Thursday December 9, 2004
4pm to 6.30pm

Botanic Park
Plan Tree Drive (off Hackney Road, opposite Friends Gate)

Drinks and finger food provided

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