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 UniSA and the City of Salisbury (CoS).
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Høj and the Mayor of Salisbury, Gillian Aldridge last month signed a Memorandum of Understanding that aims to deliver sustainable environmental, economic and social benefits to the Salisbury region and community.
One of the proposed joint initiatives, to be known as the Mawson Innovation Precinct, will initially centre on advanced manufacturing, defence, eLearning, eResearch and waterproofing northern Adelaide.
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 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’s 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," Mayor of Salisbury, Gillian Aldridge said.
"Working together means we can target innovation and economic growth. A knowledge hub, the Mawson Innovation Precinct will create and deliver high value products and services."