Queensland University of Technology Archives

What QUT’s CBD Campus Could Look Like by 2050

A 25-year vision for Queensland University of Technology‘s riverside Gardens Point campus in Brisbane’s CBD proposes purpose-built science and engineering precincts, a new business and law faculty building co-located with a conference centre, hotel and student accommodation, and dramatically improved connections to the City Botanic Gardens and the Brisbane River.

Released in March, the 2026 to 2050 Campus Master Plan outlines the most ambitious redevelopment of the Gardens Point campus since QUT’s establishment as a university in 1989, positioning the site as a genuine city-shaping precinct in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Gardens Point campus sits in Brisbane’s city centre beside the river and the City Botanic Gardens. At its centre stands a heritage building dating to 1862. The masterplan leverages this riverside setting to better connect the campus with the surrounding city.

Science, Engineering and a Whole New Precinct for Business and Law

The most structurally significant proposals for Gardens Point involve the creation of dedicated, purpose-built precincts for science and engineering. These proposals consolidate and upgrade facilities currently spread across the campus, giving the university’s technical and research disciplines a more coherent physical home.

The plan also delivers a new building for QUT’s business and law faculties, co-located with a conference centre, hotel and student accommodation in a mixed-use development that activates the campus beyond typical university hours. QUT’s architecture and built environment, business, engineering, information technology, law, mathematics and science students are based at Gardens Point, right in the centre of Brisbane, and the new building would serve as a landmark focal point for that community.

Getting the River Connection Right

One of the consistent themes to emerge from five years of community and staff engagement that shaped the masterplan was the sense that Gardens Point has never fully capitalised on its extraordinary location beside the Brisbane River and the City Botanic Gardens.

*Arrival points will be reimagined as clear, welcoming gateways that strengthen QUT’s presence and invite the community and public in. Photo Credit: QUT*

The plan addresses this directly, proposing better pedestrian walkways to connect the campus to the gardens and the riverfront. These connections would allow students, staff and visitors to move fluidly between the academic precinct and some of Brisbane’s best public spaces, making Gardens Point feel less like an island and more like an extension of the city.

*Courtyards and plazas link the campus to nearby parklands, creating a more open, welcoming and connected space for the public. Photo Credit: QUT*

The Campus Master Plan positions the Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses as vibrant, collaborative hubs that foster innovation, creativity and real-world impact, while ensuring QUT’s physical environment remains people-centred, flexible and future-focused.

A Plan Decades in the Making

QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said the vision had been shaped by genuine consultation. “By aligning with Brisbane’s broader growth and development strategy, the Campus Master Plan ensures QUT remains accessible, future-ready and central to the city’s economic, social and cultural life,” she said.

The masterplan reflects five years of engagement with staff, students, industry partners and the broader community, highlighting recurring themes including the need for more collaborative spaces, better connections to the surrounding city and a campus environment that supports both academic excellence and student wellbeing.

The full document spans both the Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses and provides a high-level framework to guide development, investment and renewal across the next decade and beyond. Expressions of interest for the first elements of the plan, focusing on student accommodation at Kelvin Grove, are already underway, signalling that the university is moving from vision to action.

The full Campus Master Plan is available to download at here. Enquiries can be directed to masterplan@qut.edu.au.

Published 13-April-2026

QUT Alumnus Ryan Ginard Quietly Funds a New Generation of Changemakers

Long before he stood on stage at Brisbane City Hall receiving one of Queensland’s highest philanthropy honours, Ryan Ginard had already begun planting seeds for the future — not with fanfare, but through a quiet commitment to backing others.

Alongside his more visible initiatives, Ginard founded the Emerging Leaders Fund, a giving vehicle designed to support grassroots organisations helping young people become confident, values-driven leaders. The fund provides small, flexible grants to Australian initiatives focused on youth empowerment, community resilience, and inclusive civic dialogue. Its structure reflects Ginard’s belief in supporting frontline changemakers without burdensome red tape — offering trust as much as funding.

That community-centred mindset, formed in part during his university years at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), is now the hallmark of a career defined by purpose.

Award-Winning Impact

The former northside Brisbane local was recently awarded the 2025 Philanthropy Innovation Award at the Queensland Philanthropy Awards, held before more than 1,000 guests during Queensland Philanthropy Week. The award recognises bold leadership and long-term contributions to the sector — and Ginard’s work fits that description.

His flagship initiative, Fundraise For Australia, is a national social enterprise working to professionalise the fundraising field and build a stronger pipeline of values-led talent. The program includes Australia’s first fundraising fellowship and has already supported more than 100 fundraisers in developing the skills, confidence, and ethical grounding to support community organisations across the country.

It’s a response to a pressing problem: although Queensland is home to thousands of for-purpose organisations, the state receives just six per cent of national philanthropic funding. Ginard set out to change that — not just by raising awareness, but by building capability.

“This is a proud moment that reflects the incredible community and collective impact that has grown around Fundraise For Australia,” Ginard said in his acceptance speech. “It’s an honour to be recognised alongside so many inspiring individuals and organisations working to strengthen Queensland’s for-purpose sector.”

Ryan Ginard QUT — Ryan Ginard receives his award from Margaret Sheil AO – Vice-Chancellor and President – QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
Photo Credit: Supplied

From Brisbane to Canberra

Before stepping onto the national stage, Ginard’s journey began in Brisbane’s north, where his early experiences shaped a practical approach to leadership and service. He credits his time at QUT with helping him turn big-picture values into real-world tools — lessons that continue to guide his work.

Now based in Canberra, Ginard leads the advancement team at the Australian National University’s College of Business and Economics. There, he works at the intersection of philanthropy, education, and economic impact — but his focus on community remains central.

Ginard’s award was presented by QUT Vice-Chancellor Margaret Sheil AO — a proud moment for the alumnus who once walked the halls of his alma mater QUT with ambition, a dream in his heart, and the beginnings of a blueprint. For him, the recognition marks not just a personal milestone, but a reminder of the community that helped shape his path.

Like Father, Like Son

His values are also reflected at home. His young son Roman recently launched Roman Gives, a child-led giving project where he donates toys, raises funds, and learns about empathy and action. Watching his son’s early steps into philanthropy has given Ginard fresh perspective on legacy — not just in terms of career achievements, but in the values passed on to the next generation.

It’s a glimpse into the kind of world Ginard has been quietly building all along — one where leadership, generosity, and community aren’t just roles, but lived experiences.

Looking Ahead

Ginard hopes to expand Fundraise For Australia, continue advocating for policy reform, and invest in a future where philanthropy is more inclusive, more local, and more human. Whether through national platforms or behind-the-scenes grantmaking, his approach remains the same: support those doing the work, centre their voices, and keep the focus on long-term impact.

As the lights dimmed at Brisbane City Hall and the applause faded, Ginard quietly returned to what he does best — backing others to lead.

Published 16-June-2025

Local Students Score Big on Shark Tank with Retro Camera

Photo Credit: Flashback/ Facebook

Two young, creative students from Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland recently made a killing on Shark Tank with their innovative business idea involving a retro camera that they successfully launched on Kickstarter.

Shark Tank Australia has invested $500,000 in its distinctive digital camera, the Flashback ONE35, blends modern technology with retro looks.

Kelric Mullen and Mackenzie Salisbury met while at Cromwell College. On Kickstarter, their concept for the Flashback ONE35—a digital camera with a retro film camera design—gained momentum and raised about $800,000 from supporters.

The business is expected to achieve $15 million in sales in the coming year and has brought in more than $3 million since its introduction.

Shark Tank investor Maxine Horne especially liked the team’s vision and product. She saw the Flashback ONE35 attractive to newer generations drawn in by old events.

Working with Horne and using her experience to expand their company is something that excites them, the students said.

They also thanked their teachers and mentors, notably Jessie Lee Croghan, the high school business teacher who motivated them to pursue an entrepreneurial career.

Published Date 1-December-2024

QUT Students to Benefit from Sweeping HELP Reforms

Photo Credit: Queensland University of Technology/ Facebook

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) students and millions of other Australians are set to receive substantial financial relief as the Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP).

Effective 1 July 2025, the reforms will introduce a one-off 20% reduction in existing HELP debt and increase the minimum repayment threshold from $54,435 to $67,000. A new marginal repayment system based solely on income above the threshold will be implemented.

This means that recent QUT graduates and current students will have more disposable income to manage their living expenses and reduce financial stress. The new system will benefit lower-income earners, with the most significant relief for those earning under $180,000 annually.

Key Points of HELP

Significant Debt Relief: A one-off 20% reduction in existing HELP debt.

Increased Repayment Threshold: The minimum repayment threshold will increase to $67,000.

New Marginal Repayment System: Repayments will be based solely on income above the threshold.

More Disposable Income: Lower-income earners will substantially increase disposable income.

Smoother Transition: Recent graduates will have more time to establish their careers before starting repayments.

A New Era for Student Finance

The decision to overhaul the HELP system is a major step towards making higher education more accessible and affordable. By increasing the minimum repayment threshold and introducing a new marginal repayment system, the government is recognising the financial challenges faced by recent graduates and ensuring a smoother transition into the workforce.

These changes will benefit QUT students and other Australian students, reducing their long-term debt burden and providing them with greater financial security.

Published Date 08-November-2024

QUT Sees Mixed Results in Global Rankings for 2024

Photo Credit: Picture Perfect/Google Maps

Queensland University of Technology (QUT), located in Brisbane City, experienced mixed performance in two major global rankings. It fell between 201 and 250 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings while improving to 213th in the QS World University Rankings.

These 2024 rankings show a slight decline in the Times Higher Education ranking, where QUT dropped from 199th in 2023, but a marginal improvement in the QS ranking, which rose from 222nd last year.

Sources indicate that QUT’s performance aligns with a broader downward trend among Australian universities, with factors like reduced funding and diminishing international research partnerships cited as major concerns. Despite these challenges, QUT remains well-regarded for its strong programs, particularly in communication and media studies, which ranked 19th globally in the QS subject rankings for 2023.

QUT — *Photo Credit: Alex Kung/Google Maps*

Academic Strengths and International Outlook

QUT continues to perform well in various disciplines, such as engineering and nursing, but the drop in global rankings signals growing issues that extend beyond individual program success.

Like many Australian universities, QUT has faced difficulties maintaining its international presence, which is particularly concerning given its focus on attracting international students and fostering global research collaborations. Recent reports suggest that the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial constraints have impacted its ability to remain competitive on the world stage.

QUT’s decline in rankings reflects larger concerns across Australia’s higher education sector. A global higher education expert, Phil Baty, has pointed out that many Australian universities are losing ground internationally due to reduced funding and weaker international collaborations. Additionally, proposed caps on international student enrolments from 2025 may further affect QUT’s income and global standing. Baty suggests that such caps could diminish Australia’s reputation as a destination for higher education.

QUT — *Photo Credit: Phạm Đình Quang/Google Maps*

Community and Industry Engagement

QUT has built its reputation on practical, hands-on education, connecting students with industry through internships and real-world projects. This approach remains a key part of QUT’s strategy, and the university continues to nurture strong ties with the business community.

However, broader sector-wide issues are affecting its global reputation, which could undermine its ability to maintain these important industry links. Whilst QUT remains a significant player in Australian education, its recent performance in global rankings highlights the challenges it faces in an increasingly competitive and financially constrained higher education environment.

Published 13-Oct-2024

Translink’s Smart Ticketing System Trials Has Commenced

The State Government, in cooperation with QUT and Spout Logic, has launched the Smart Ticketing System express gates trial at Brisbane’s Central Station.

The one-month trial will run from 22 October to 22 November 2019. Operating hours are between 7am and 9am and the trial will involve four gate exits at the Edward Street gates which can be opened using a Go card.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that these trials and tests are part of building a world-class ticketing system for Queensland public transport. The trial is aimed at providing insights into how Translink customers use the express gates and how they can be improved to be more effective in the future.

“It will also be about listening to customers who have wanted faster gates, especially during peak times,” Mr Bailey said.

*Photo credit:* *Translink* */ Facebook*

For the trial, the Queensland University of Technology and Spout Logic have been tapped to provide an independent academic research report on the key findings and recommendations for future improvements.

“QUT is involved in the project to provide independent academic feedback about the results of the trial. This will help TransLink in its decision-making about how best to serve its customers with new innovations,” Professor Alexander Paz said.

Another trial will also be undertaken on North Stradbroke Island Buses which will test the new on-board ticketing hardware. After Minjerribah, four other regions will follow: Innisfail, Bowen, Maryborough, and Hervey Bay.

The $371-million Smart Ticketing System will enable customers to use their smartphones, smartwatch, credit card or debit, apart from the go cards and paper tickets, to pay for their ridep; introduction across the state and 18 regional urban centres is slated to commence by the end of 2022.