SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Wheelchair user being pushed in a modified chair on beach between surf life saving flags

Ranked in the Top 200 in the World

Sustainable Cities and Economies - Ranked 101-200 2026

CQUniversity is committed to creating more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities through its research, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives.

Access to Arts, Culture and Facilities

With the largest footprint of any university in the country, our locations each have their own lively character along with a unique range of facilities, services, and courses. Access to our campuses and facilities is open to the public and many events are held at each location throughout the year to encourage community engagement with the university.

Art on Campus

Our campuses feature many murals which add a vibrant character unique to each campus. Our campuses are open to the community to enjoy our open green spaces and admire the murals

We hold an extensive art collection comprising of over 1200 Australian and international artworks. Some works are on permanent display on campuses and sites nationwide in CQUniversity Libraries and other public spaces on campuses and study sites. Artworks are available on loan to public galleries. 

Incorporated into CQUniversity in 1996 and opening a purpose-built facility in 2001, the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) is committed to making our university more accessible to our community, continuing to pursue excellence, flexibility, and innovation in its academic programs in music and theatre, research initiatives and community outreach, making it one of Australia's leading providers of performing arts education. 

A group of school students stand in front of a brightly coloured mural on featuring a kangaroo on the Bundaberg campus. The students smile as they showcase and point to their work.
Dingo mural on a CQU campus building

Library Facilities

Our library facilities are open to our students and the wider community. Community members are welcome to use study spaces and apply for a library membership to borrow books. 

Bundaberg students sitting on bean bags and studying in their library
A group of students studying at a CQU library

Access to Buildings

CQU offers hire of facilities for organisations, business and sporting groups. Facilities available for hire include:

  • Sporting facilities- athletics ovals, baseball field, rugby oval, multi-purpose stadium, tennis courts
  • Meeting rooms and lecture theatres
  • Outdoor areas. 

Enquire about a booking 

Green Spaces

Our campuses feature a variety of outdoor green spaces open to staff, students, and the public, designed for relaxation and recreation.
Visitors can enjoy: 

  • picnic tables (both shaded and unshaded)
  • comfortable benches
  • outdoor amphitheatre
  • walking tracks and pathways
  • well-kept lawns perfect for picnics
  • landscaped gardens

Preserving Cultural Heritage

‘It’s about making our children feel proud’: how schools can learn about local Indigenous language and culture

One of the priorities of the Closing the Gap reporting is that Indigenous cultures and languages are “strong, supported and flourishing”. 

Jilbay First Nations Higher Degree by Research Academy

This First Nations Higher Degree by Research Academy is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research-focused community of practice.

Study tour connects students across continents

CQUniversity Digital Media students recently completed a cross-cultural study tour where screen storytelling became a lens for shared histories, reconciliation and intercultural collaboration.

First Nations research institute officially launched

CQUniversity has officially launched the First Nations Jawun Research Institute during National Reconciliation Week in Cairns.

Study underscores importance of Indigenous ownership in First Nations research

Research highlights that Indigenous ownership in First Nations research is the bedrock for ethical, equitable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Creating a Sustainable Campus Community

Campus and Access Maps

Downloadable PDF and online campus maps are available for staff, students, and visitors.

Commuting

CQUniversity encourages sustainable commuting options to and from our campuses. We promote the use of public transport and carpooling to reduce environmental impact and support more efficient resource use. Our campuses are conveniently located close to public transport and we encourage staff, students and visitors to our campuses to utilise these services. We also promote carpooling to reduce environmental impact and support more efficient resource use. 

To assist with planning, visit our locations page provides links to local transport services, helping students, staff, and visitors choose greener travel options.

Housing

CQU offers affordable student accommodation options, with two residential colleges located in Rockhampton and Mackay. 

Pedestrian Zones

The external spaces in our regional campuses are fully pedestrianised with no vehicle access (except for service vehicles). Our larger regional campuses feature ample parking areas on the fringes of the main campus precincts, with pathways connecting buildings and outdoor spaces. The streets within the campus grounds feature pedestrian crossings and signage to ensure the safety of pedestrians on campus.

Wayfinding signage is displayed throughout our campuses to help you navigate your way. 

Sustainable Campus Development

CQUniversity is committed to incorporating sustainability into the development, redevelopment and expansion of its campuses. We consider how our campus projects can make responsible use of existing buildings and land, reduce the use of resources, protect the environment and create efficient, future-focused learning spaces for our students and communities.

Redeveloping existing buildings

Where possible, CQUniversity makes use of existing buildings rather than developing new sites. For example, our Melbourne campus is relocating to the former Bendigo Bank site, avoiding the need for a new-build development and reducing the associated use of new land and construction resources. The building is currently being refurbished to with new campus design principles to shape a campus that reflects who we are today—and where we are heading in the future. The new campus location is close to major public transport and will feature:

  • 7 operational floors
  • capacity for 27 staff and 880 students
  • 21 formal teaching spaces, 14 informal huddle spaces
  • dedicated parenting facilities and
  • multi-faith spaces. 

Refurbishment meant is due to be completed in late 2026

Using previously developed land

Our new Cairns campus is being constructed on a former post office site. The land was acquired by the local council in 2010 and subsequently gifted to CQUniversity for redevelopment, supported by government funding. By developing a previously used site, the project makes use of existing developed land rather than requiring the development of a new, undeveloped site. Construction is due to be completed in 2027. 

Designing sustainable new buildings

Where new buildings are required, CQUniversity incorporates sustainability features into their design and construction and aim for our buildings to meet the relevent 5 Star Green requirements. Recent new builds include the School of Manufacturing, the School of Mining, and the TAFE Centre for Excellent which include the following sustainability features:

  • solar panels,
  • dual-flush toilets,
  • motion-activated lighting, and
  • water-efficient systems.  

These features help reduce energy and water consumption, improve resource efficiency and support more sustainable campus operations over the long term.

Through these approaches, CQUniversity aims to ensure that the growth and development of our campuses supports our broader commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

CQUniversity owns and leases a wide range of land and built environments including sports grounds, buildings, accommodation, and office blocks. Our built environment aims to be resource-efficient, operationally cost-effective, and provide improved environmental, economic, and social benefits to students, staff, and surrounding communities. 

CQUniversity has been actively growing with new buildings and refurbishments throughout Australia which are designed in accordance with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) frameworks in building design for all future developmental work. New builds and refurbishments are installed with 5-star water-efficient equipment. 
We are continually introducing sustainable features into buildings and grounds such as water harvesting, solar panels, and strategic shading installed in new buildings. We actively check and adjust irrigation systems to minimise wasted water. View our Sustainability Framework for further details. 

Net Zero and Renewable Energy

In line with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero by 2050 targets, CQUniversity is advancing its Decarbonisation Plan (DCP) as a core part of its sustainability framework. Our DCP focuses on reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by prioritizing energy efficiency and gradually phasing out non-renewable energy sources. Currently, 50% of our energy comes from renewable sources, setting a strong foundation for achieving Net Zero by 2050. The DCP will guide CQUniversity with data-driven decision-making, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring alignment with our sustainability goals across all business areas.

Energy Reviews

Energy efficiency is a key focus in CQUniversity’s drive towards sustainable operations. To enhance efficiency, we are transitioning to LED lighting across all campuses, significantly reducing energy consumption. New buildings and refurbishments are designed to meet the Green Star 5 standard, ensuring they adhere to high environmental benchmarks. Additionally, smart electricity meters at our Rockhampton and Gladstone campuses allow us to conduct monthly energy audits, identifying trends, pinpointing anomalies, and tracking areas of high energy usage. This data enables us to implement targeted improvements and reinforce our commitment to sustainable energy practices.

News Stories

Some of the recent news stories that align with SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities: