Media Release
August 28 2008
Agreement to improve Salisbury's triple bottom line
The
development of a major innovation hub at Mawson Lakes is one of many
exciting initiatives proposed under a new partnership between the
University of South Australia and the
City of Salisbury (CoS).
To be known as the Mawson Innovation Precinct, the hub will initially centre on advanced manufacturing, defence, eLearning, eResearch and waterproofing northern Adelaide.
It is one example of how sustainable environmental, economic and social benefits will be delivered to the Salisbury region and community through a Memorandum of Understanding signed today by UniSA’s Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Høj and the Mayor of Salisbury, Gillian Aldridge.
UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor, Strategy and Planning, Professor Hilary Winchester said the three-year agreement establishes a high-level Joint Management Committee to manage projects that will build on a history of successful collaboration across a range of areas.
“This agreement recognises that UniSA and the City of Salisbury share many strategic directions, assets and areas of business,” Prof Winchester said.
“It highlights areas of mutual interest that are consistent with the objectives of UniSA and CoS, such as addressing the mismatch between the skills and future workforce needs of the region, supporting our students’ opportunities for placement and employment in local industries, and undertaking research to inform and develop a sustainable community.”
The University has already worked successfully with the City of Salisbury in the development of Mawson Lakes and, through UniSA Northern Area Partnerships (UNAP), on learning-related projects such as the Libraries for Learning Partnership, the Lapsit early childhood literacy program and as members of Northern Futures Inc..
There are also a number of important joint research initiatives currently underway, such as the role of transit-orientated development in Australian cities and the Sustainable 1000 small business project.
"This unique partnership shows a mutual respect and understanding for what both organisations are trying to achieve for the north,” explained Mayor of Salisbury, Gillian Aldridge.
“Working together enables us to target innovation and economic growth. A knowledge hub, the Mawson Innovation Precinct will create and deliver high value products and services.”
Contacts for interview
- Prof Hilary Winchester office (08) 8302 0209 email hilary.winchester@unisa.edu.au
- Marc Shannon, Manager UNAP office (08) 8302 3654 email marc.shannon@unisa.edu.au
- Mayor Gillian Aldridge, City of Salisbury office (08) 8406 8262 mobile 0411 703 706 email galdridge@salisbury.sa.gov.au
Media contact
-
Vincent Ciccarello office (08) 8302 0578 mobile 0434 603 457
email vincent.ciccarello@unisa.edu.au