The federal government will loan James Cook University $96m for a technology innovation complex at the Townsville campus, to house STEM teaching and research.  The project is part of a refurb plan to “create a more vibrant campus heart.” Vice Chancellor Sandra Harding says the technology centre, “will transform regional businesses and industry.” The university also plans child care and aged care centres and an hotel on the Townsville campus by 2035.

The federal funding is the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund’s first Queensland commitment and its first investment in social infrastructure.