Isaac Regional Council Recieves Funding For Two New Study Hubs

Published on 03 February 2025

The Albanese Government has announced the creation of two new University Study Hubs in Clermont and Moranbah through a partnership with Isaac Regional Council to encourage more students in the region to further their education.

The new hubs will provide a range of support services to locals wanting to study so they can remain in their community, including study spaces, computers, high speed internet access and wellbeing support. 

Nearly half of young people in Australia have a university qualification, but not in regional and remote Australia, with only 16 per cent of young people in the Moranbah and Clermont areas holding a university degree.

Today’s announcement comes as new data shows a 32 per cent increase in the past year of students using the existing 43 Study Hubs across the country.

In addition to the hubs in Clermont and Moranbah, another nine new Regional University Study Hubs have been announced across the country, including a new hub further north in Hughenden.

The new hubs are expected to be operational from mid-2025 and once open, there will be 56 Regional University Study Hubs located across the country.

Over 5,200 students have been supported through the study hub network, with the most popular courses among students being in areas currently experiencing skills shortages, such as health (34 per cent) and education (17 per cent).

The expansion of the Regional University Study Hub network is part of the Albanese Government’s $66.9 million investment to double the number of hubs across Australia. Further information about the program can be found here. 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

“Each time I’m out in regional and remote communities, people explain how they want to upskill and embark on a career change, but can’t afford moving away from their family in order to study.

“When we open a new hub in a community like Moranbah or Clermont, we’re removing some of the educational barriers that can stop those living in these areas from getting a tertiary qualification.

“These 10 new locations across Australia will mean more people in the regions are getting the opportunity to stay in their communities and near their support networks while studying a tertiary qualification.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Isaac Regional Council, Kelly Vea Vea:

“This investment is a strong show of support for regional Australians who want to further their education without leaving their communities.

“It means that students in regional communties like ours won’t have to choose between staying in their community and getting a degree – they can now do both, with the right support in place.

“This program is a game-changer for communities like ours, providing a place for students of all ages to connect, learn, and thrive while staying close to home.

"The government’s commitment to expand the funding is a big step towards bridging the education gap between city and country.

ENDS

Media Contacts:
Assistant Minister Chisholm: James Laidler – 0458 729 475
Mayor Vea Vea: Beau Jackson – 0488 222 669