Annual Report 2008 - Central Queensland University

Benchmarking and Quality Assurance
For a number of years ITD has participated in benchmarking and customer
service surveys commissioned by the Council of Australian University Directors
of Information Technology (CAUDIT). In late 2008, CQUniversity conducted a
standardised customer satisfaction survey, which was developed by CAUDIT using
an external consultant and deployed across individual participating universities. The
results of the survey provided valuable information that will enable the University
to develop improvement strategies and training programs. CQUniversity’s
customer satisfaction was rated against a range of criteria such as staff technical
skills, helpfulness and customer experience. The findings reflect that 76% of the
approximate 1000 CQUniversity respondents (staff and students) rated overall
satisfaction as being good or very good (highest ranking). It is anticipated this survey
will become an annual benchmarking tool.
Physical Infrastructure and Resources
The Division of Facilities Management (DFM) maintains a Strategic Asset Management
Plan capturing both capital and operational expenditure on a ten-year rolling basis.
While significant changes in the financial circumstances of the University have meant
that a number of planned projects have been postponed, major improvements to
infrastructure are underway or have been implemented in 2008 including:
Mackay Knowledge Village and Technology
& Information Resource Centre
While construction is proceeding on the new signature building, partly funded
by the Federal Government, major infrastructure is being planned around the
Knowledge Village concept. CQUniversity’s vision is to develop the Mackay Campus
to accommodate a range of educational institutions, research and development
centres, business/industry alliances and community organisations.
In 2008, purchase of the adjoining 12 hectares of land was initiated, and SkillsTech
Australia is planning to build a major new facility on this land in 2009. The signature
Resource Centre will be a key feature in the Knowledge Village, providing a shared
resource for student and community library and information commons use. The two
storey building will be completed in 2009 with an expanded scope to encompass
commercial tenancies.
Engineering Precinct Refurbishment
Buildings 28 and 29 on the Rockhampton Campus are among the oldest building
stock and are key locations used in teaching, learning and research by the
Engineering and Sciences Disciplines and associated programs offered by the
University. Due to degradation of building systems and fabric, these buildings have
been targeted for complete refurbishment, assisted by Federal Government Better
Universities Renewal Fund (BURF) to the value of of $1.850M in 2008.
Asbestos Remediation
A $2M project commenced in late 2008 to address prioritised asbestos remediation
in several Rockhampton Campus and Capricornia Residential College buildings.
Mackay Campus flood damage
As reported earlier, the campus sustained major flood damage in February. While
operations were restored to most areas within a month of the incident, major
building repairs were held back until the close of the academic year to minimise
disruption to students.
Property Management
The University sold the former Rockhampton Post Office and handed back the
Magistrate and Supreme Court precinct to the Justice Department in 2008.
The University has taken the lease option on the Brisbane Campus presence for five
years. Five floors of 333 Kent Street, Sydney have been sub-leased to reduce the
University’s exposure in this market.
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