2006 Media Releases
Monday, 24 April 2006
La Trobe University wins funding to establish $600,000 Engineering Scholarship Scheme
La Trobe University has been awarded a $145,000 grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal through The Pratt Water Program, to establish a new industry-supported $600,000 FRRR/La Trobe Civil Engineering Scholarship Scheme.
The pilot project aims to address a critical shortage of civil engineers in communities in the Murrumbidgee Basin, New South Wales, and will have a particular emphasis on supporting infrastructure development that addresses the region’s priority environmental and water management needs. Dryland salinity is estimated to cost the region at least $43m per year. Attracting qualified civil engineers to the region is crucial to its sustainable development.
The pilot project will fund 10 four-year civil engineering scholarships for students to study the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) at La Trobe University’s Bendigo Campus.
With the FRRR contribution, industry partner contribution and vacation employment, each scholarship is valued at $44,000.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Stoddart, said the grant from the FRRR had given the green light for the $600,000 project to progress.
“This innovative pilot project represents a partnership between the FRRR, The Pratt Water Program, a range of industry partners and La Trobe University working to develop practical solutions to address critical shortages of engineers in regional
communities.
“As a pilot project, there is significant potential for new partners to expand on this program and provide a model for other regional areas.
Professor Stoddart said the securing of the FRRR grant recognized the quality and regional focus of the La Trobe University civil engineering program.
“Students for this project will come from the Murrumbidgee catchment and be co-sponsored by industry partners in the catchment, provided with relevant vacation employment with the aim of attracting them to stay in the area after they graduate.
“Industry partners will also seek to establish collaborative research projects."
FRRR Chairman Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC said the FRRR is actively committed to championing the economic and social strength of Australia's regional, rural and remote communities through partnerships with the private sector, philanthropy and governments.
”We consider this project partnership with La Trobe University and The Pratt Foundation as a key program to help our rural communities achieve their economic aspirations, whilst ensuring the careful management of our environment.”
The FRRR/La Trobe Civil Engineering Scholarship Scheme will begin in 2007 and applications will be advertised through schools and local media later this year.
The scholarship scheme will be available to students who live in the Murrumbidgee Catchment attempting their first tertiary qualification, and those who are employed in the Catchment in related occupations with related skills, experience, and qualifications which may be considered for credit in the program. It will also be available to prospective students who reside in the Catchment and have a related TAFE qualification subject to an agreed articulation agreement.
ABOUT THE MURRUMBIDGEE CATCHMENT:
The Murrumbidgee Catchment is a diverse area covering some 84,000 square kilometres, and includes such cities as Canberra, Wagga Wagga, Balranald, Griffith, and Yass. The total annual turnover of the economic activity in the Valley is $8billion, contributing $3billion to the GDP.
Irrigated agriculture in the Basin contributes 42% of New South Wales's grapes and half of Australia's rice production. The Basin also includes sites of ecological significance such as the Fivebough and Tuckerbil Swams and the Lowbidgee Wetlands.
Dryland salinity is estimated to cost the region at least $43m per year.
Development of new infrastructure, and upgrading existing infrastructure, is a necessary facet of managing these environmental challenges. Qualified residential professionals, such as civil engineers, are crucial to its sustainable development.
For further information:
Mr David Ensor, Director - Industry & Community Engagement, La Trobe University, tel: 03 5444 7847