UQ Back in Business from The University of Queensland on Vimeo.
The University of Queensland has moved to business as usual this week, with about 4000 summer semester, medical and international language and AusAID students on campuses.
Photos taken on January 18 at the St Lucia campus reveal the rapid progress being made by University staff, contractors and volunteers in returning the campus to business continuity: http://www.flickr.com/photos/uqnews/sets/72157625849720828/
Daily recovery update: https://www.uq.edu.au/news/index.html?article=22534
UQ Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Keniger said progress was proceeding at a cracking pace, thanks to the ceaseless efforts of staff, contractors and volunteers.
“The progress at the St Lucia campus has included the removal of about 1000 tonnes of silt from Sir William MacGregor Drive and staff expected to comfortably remove more than 1500 tonnes of silt by the end of operations,” he said.
“Our rough estimates of remaining silt along the river banks exceeds many thousands of tonnes.
“Staff have safely restored eight electricity substations and repaired at least 30 switchboards.
“The University cannot thank enough our dedicated staff and students, many of whom were badly affected themselves, our contractors who have made our campus a priority, community volunteers, and local, State and Federal authorities.”
Professor Keniger said the university had formed an accommodation taskforce to ensure additional support for any students whose accommodation may have been affected, as well as assisting arriving students to find suitable accommodation.
Further, the University jointly with the UQ Union has put a scheme in place to provide emergency financial assistance to those students at financial risk as a result of the Queensland floods.
Funding will be in the form of once-off grants through the UQ Union's SHOC Centre, or longer-term loans that will be administered by Student Services. In both cases students will need to meet certain criteria concerning need and circumstance.
Professor Keniger thanked staff from Griffith, Southern Cross and Sunshine Coast universities who assisted with regular grounds maintenance, freeing up UQ staff on recovery activities. He also thanked universities around Australia and internationally who had sent offers of support.
Professor Keniger encouraged staff, domestic and international students and summer semester students to visit and revisit the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the UQ home page www.uq.edu.au for crucial information and relevant updates.
An internet kiosk had been established at Gatton for staff, students and members of the community without internet connections at home and all internet services had been restored at Gatton.
UQ Connect, which supplies internet services to 57 schools in Queensland continued supply all schools with the exception of Brisbane Boys College, which should be online in the near future.
If you are aware of anyone who would like to volunteer in the St Lucia campus clean-up, could they report to the UQ Security Office, Services Road. Volunteers should have enclosed shoes, gloves, hats, sunscreen and shovels, if possible.
Media: Jan King 0413 601 248 or Fiona Cameron 0407 113 342
