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. 112 | Australian water man age m e nt re v ie w 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.