It is a joy to work and study on our campus, which is justly noted around the nation and around the world for the quality of its gardens, buildings and infrastructure.
High quality education and research flourishes best in a scholarly community based in an environment of excellence in which the social dimensions of learning can also flourish.
The quality of our campus did not come about by accident. It is the result of careful planning. The development of the campus has been guided by a series of plans, starting in 1915, with a competition to lay out the University grounds. The approach of 'buildings in a parkland setting' has been the hallmark of each and every subsequent campus plan.
Many of our buildings have won architectural awards, most notably Winthrop Hall, the Reid Library, the Octagon Theatre and the Law Faculty building. In 1980, the University's gardens were entered into the register of the National Estate, and in 1986 the University won a civic design award for excellence. Many of our buildings also have gained heritage listing because of their architectural and historical significance.
As we looked to 2000 and beyond, we have engaged in a wide-ranging review of our University's campus plan to ensure that the physical development of the campus supports the University's long-term priority objectives. Coupled with this action has been a review of the policies and principles which have guided the University's development over the past 80 years so as to ensure the physical qualities of the campus are maintained.
The hard work involved has been done by an expert advisory group, involving Senators, academic and general staff, students and members of the architectural and landscaping professions. We aim to provide the University with a new campus plan in 2000.
The review will also consider the fact that for many years, the University has been purchasing properties adjacent to the current campus to provide capacity for growth. We need to develop a plan for expansion beyond current boundaries. As we continue to build key industry and community partnerships, and look towards 'incubator' research companies, we will need to be able to provide the space for these partnerships to flourish as an integral part of our University into the new century.
Parallel to this focussed initiative, the University has been working with the State Government and local municipal authorities to develop a comprehensive transport plan. The long-term aim is to improve public access and reduce traffic congestion on campus.
As our University continues to face new challenges and pressures in teaching, learning and research, we must ensure that there are no physical constraints to achieving that potential. At the same time, the University's planning process needs to continue its honouring of the spirit of our founders, who bequested us with such a magnificent campus.
By keeping the physical and the intellectual environments in harmony, we will be able to move confidently into the future knowing our staff and students have access to high quality teaching, learning and research facilities in a world-class learning environment.
In the last resort, the Crawley campus is a huge competitive advantage for our University in a very competitive higher education environment. | 