Australian Water Management Review Vol. 1 2014 | Page 118
A New Name in Education
Federation University Australia (FedUni)
commenced operation on 1 January, 2014,
as the result of an exciting collaboration
between the University of Ballarat and Monash
University’s Gippsland Campus. The name
Federation University Australia reflects the
partnerships, collaboration and co-operation
among a federated network of campuses in
regional Victoria, which collectively, provide a
new and different Australian university.
Federation University is a multi-sector educational
provider delivering locally, nationally and internationally.
Federation University undertakes world-class
research, and engages in knowledge transfer, in
strategic targeted areas that have demonstrable
relevance to, and impact on, communities, industries
and regions served by the University, and beyond.
It is emphasising partnerships, collaborations and
integration in the interests of capacity building.
Creating strong targeted knowledge partnerships with
industry, other institutions and government is also
a key strategy by which the University contributes to
regional, national and international innovation.
Its principal innovation platform is the Ballarat
Technology Park which is the largest regional
technology park in Australia.
One such Centre for Research is the Geotechnical and
Hydrogeological Engineering Research Group (GHERG).
GHERG works closely with government and industry to
further improve the safety and sustainability of the opencut mines that surround the Gippsland campus. GHERG
focuses on the key issues affecting open-cut mines in
the Latrobe Valley including slope stability, groundwater
impacts, environmental rehabilitation and the long-term
sustainability of mine sites.
FedUni’s history dates back to the founding of
the School of Mines and Industries in Ballarat in
1870, which provided education in the mining and
engineering fields. Now with over 140 years of
experience, FedUni continues to provide industry
relevant education through their highly skilled staff.
New soil and water research laboratories and a
workshop have been established to provide first-class
facilities for research projects into the geotechnical
and hydrogeological properties of brown coal.
State-of-the-art teaching and research facilities at Mt
Helen and Gippsland, include the newly-constructed
$40M science and engineering precinct at the Mt
Helen Campus.
The Faculty of Science offers programs, ranging from
Bachelor to PhD qualifications, including environmental
management, general science, geohydrology and
geomechanics, engineering (civil, environmental,
reliability, maintenance, mechanical, mining and
mechatronics), geology and extractive metallurgy.
GHERG’s key role is to provide broad geotechnical
and hydro-geological research and development and
support to the Latrobe Valley. The group also works to
review and develop systems modelling approaches to
planning in areas such as mine water quality, quantity,
contamination, ground subsidence, safety risks and
bushfires. GHERG is developing field research projects
to learn more about the impacts of surface mining on
ground and surface water resources.
As part of its education program The Faculty of
Science in conjunction with GHERG has established
a new Masters in Geomechanics and Geohydrology
delivered through Online Learning. Training programs
are provided for industry specific personnel through
short courses as well as presentations from academic
and industry experts. The workshops enhance the
skills of staff in the major industries as well as
promoting environmental advancement and improved
operational techniques in areas where technologies
are rapidly advancing.
Applications are currently being accepted for 2014
studies in, science, engineering and information
technology programs.
Programs are offered at a range of locations including
Gippsland and Mt Helen Campuses as well as a range
of Partner Providers and Online Learning.
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The University now boasts five consecutive years of being
awarded five stars for teaching quality by their graduates
in the Good Universities Guide, from 2010 – 2014.
Further information about Federation University
Australia and the Faculty of Science (including
programs and centres of research) can be found
on the website: www.federation.edu.au or by
telephoning: 1800 333 864.