UniSQ and TSBE partner to boost regional development

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) have joined forces to drive growth, innovation and long-term prosperity across southern Queensland.

The partnership – formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) – will explore joint initiatives in areas such as agribusiness innovation, energy sector development, infrastructure, health, and international engagement.

The MoU also paves the way for collaborative research, joint advocacy promoting regional growth, and support for major regional projects that respond to the evolving needs of communities and industry.

UniSQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to the future of the region.

“UniSQ was a founding member with TSBE in 2012 and our relationship has continued to strengthen over the years,” Professor Nelson said.

“We share a strong strategic alignment when it comes to supporting the prosperity and sustainability of regional Queensland.

“This partnership brings together our respective strengths in education, industry connection and economic development to help deliver lasting outcomes for our local communities.”

TSBE Board Chair April Cavanagh said the partnership would create a valuable platform for shaping the region’s future through strategic collaboration.

“We know our region is managing skills gaps, and workforce attraction struggles but we also know there are incredible opportunities in our future we need to be ready for,” Ms Cavanagh said.

“By partnering with UniSQ, we can collaborate and combine our local knowledge to build our region’s future skills and capacity.”

Focus areas of the MoU will include planning and advocacy for regional projects and infrastructure, collaborative research into workforce and education needs, and coordinated efforts to support economic diversification and resilience.