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University formalises support for southern Gold Coast region

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Zuleika Henderson
Published
1 December 2009
A new agreement to be signed today, Tuesday December 1 between Southern Cross University and Connecting Southern Gold Coast is set to help promote the economic and development of the Southern Gold Coast.

The University and Connecting Southern Gold Coast will sign a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for joint projects in the areas of tourism, events and business development.

Attending the Memorandum of Understanding signing will be Professor Peter Lee, Vice Chancellor of Southern Cross University, Jim Wilson, General Manager of Connecting Southern Gold Coast, Gold Coast City Councillor Chris Robbins, Professor Bryan Rothwell, head of Southern Cross University Gold Coast and Tweed Heads campuses, Di Dixon, economic development coordinator for the Gold Coast City Council, Dr Michelle Whitford of Southern Cross University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management and senior board members of Connecting Southern Gold Coast.

Professor Peter Lee said he was pleased to formalise the relationship with Connecting Southern Gold Coast.

“We are investing heavily in this region - the foundation building of the new campus due to open to students in February, and a recent economic study has showed that the University will be worth more than $125 million to the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads economy in 2010,” said Professor Lee.

“We are also committed to the social and cultural development of the Gold Coast, and although we already have strong connections with many business and community organisations I welcome the opportunity to strengthen our ties with Connecting Southern Gold Coast - which will pave the way for collaboration on a number of initiatives.”

Connecting Southern Gold Coast, which is funded by the Gold Coast City Council and is governed by a board of local business people, aims to promote the Southern Gold Coast area as a tourist destination and support and develop business in the region.

Jim Wilson, General Manager of Connecting Southern Gold Coast said his board and management welcomed the opportunity to work closely with the University.

“As well as other major organisations in the region such as the Gold Coast Airport and John Flynn Private Hospital, the southern Gold Coast is now also fortunate to have a University of the calibre of Southern Cross University,” said Mr Wilson.

“SCU brings prestige and provides Connecting Southern Gold Coast and businesses in our region with great potential for cooperative advancement of a range of tourism and economic initiatives.

“What’s more, the impressive new campus is located 400 metres from the world famous Kirra Beach – oh, to be a university student again!”

Media alert:Media are invited to attend the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Southern Cross University and Connecting Southern Gold Coast today, Tuesday December 1 at 12.30pm Queensland time (1.30pm NSW time) at Southern Cross University's office at Airport Central, Gold Coast Highway, Bilinga. Photo: Professor Peter Lee, Vice Chancellor of Southern Cross University. (High resolution image available on request. Images of the signing available this afternoon on request.)