What’s happening?
James Cook University (JCU) has formally entered into its first partnership with Whitsundays Regional Council (WRC). Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs met with Whitsundays Mayor Ry Collins and WRC CEO Warren Bunker in Proserpine this week to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
This landmark agreement will focus on measurable and sustainable outcomes for the region, particularly in work integrated learning, workforce development, student support, and research and innovation.
Why it matters
Professor Biggs said the partnership will help deliver social and economic gains needed to sustain development in the Whitsundays. He noted, “The Whitsundays is one of Australia’s and Queensland’s fastest growing regions, with significant population growth forecast in the Cannonvale – Proserpine corridor over the coming decade.”
He added that retention of workforce and growing local talent was important for Council, along with exploring opportunities to attract researchers and research collaboration, especially around the Great Barrier Reef.
“Our partnership with WRC is also a strong reminder of JCU’s founding purpose: to improve the lives of people in the tropics through education, research and innovation,” he said.
Local Impact
JCU already has strong links with the Whitsundays, with local students studying across all areas of the university and others completing practical placements in Bowen, Proserpine, Cannonvale and Airlie Beach.
Under the new MOU, the first two years will focus on building opportunities for placements and internships with Council and the community, as well as pathways for students to gain experience living and working in the region.
Professor Biggs highlighted that the Whitsunday region, particularly Cannonvale, is experiencing a population boom. He said Council has plans to invest in community infrastructure to meet the needs of this growth, and that he looks forward to working with Council and the community to expand education opportunities.
By the numbers
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This is the first Memorandum of Understanding signed between JCU and Whitsundays Regional Council.
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Significant population growth is forecast in the Cannonvale – Proserpine corridor over the coming decade.
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The initial two-year focus will develop new placements, internships and student pathways in the Whitsundays.
Zoom In
Mayor Ry Collins described the agreement as “laying the groundwork for new opportunities.” He said, “Nothing changes overnight, but this agreement shows that Council and JCU are serious about working together to create a smarter, more connected Whitsunday region.”
He added that education and innovation are central to regional growth, and by combining Council’s local knowledge with JCU’s expertise, the region can tackle challenges and attract investment.
“Too often our young people feel they have to leave to get ahead. This partnership is about keeping more doors open here at home – so they can learn, train and gain real-world experience without always moving away,” Mayor Collins said.
Zoom Out
This MOU reinforces JCU’s existing presence in the Whitsundays, where students in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Education and other disciplines already undertake practical placements across Bowen, Proserpine, Cannonvale and Airlie Beach.
The new agreement builds on that foundation, adding structured collaboration with Council to expand pathways and strengthen connections between education, workforce development and community growth.
What to look for next?
In the first two years, JCU and WRC will focus on creating more placements, internships, and local student pathways, with further opportunities for research collaboration around the Great Barrier Reef expected to be explored.
