On 31 March 2011, Prime Minister Julia Gillard officially opened the first stage of the $32.5 million Engineering Pavilion at Curtin University in Perth.

The Pavilion is a world-class teaching and research facility featuring creative and environmentally sustainable design and incorporating leading-edge technology.

More than 7000 Engineering and Science students currently enrolled at Curtin University will benefit from the modern and practical learning spaces in the new complex.

The Pavilion, which has been submitted for a 5 Star Green Rating, will also be used by students after hours and provide a hub for research and learning activity on the University’s Bentley campus.

Employers in Western Australia experience difficulty in recruiting engineers of all disciplines and this new complex will help to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals.

The facility will also be used to educate chemical, civil, computer systems, electrical, mechanical, mining and petroleum engineers who will graduate as highly skilled workers, ready to fill the jobs of tomorrow.

Facilities like the Engineering Pavilion give our nation the ability to educate and skill Australians so they can meet the economic challenges of the future and achieve their full potential.

The Australian Government has committed $20.5 million to Curtin University for the Engineering Pavilion from the $4.15 billion allocated through the Education Investment Fund for higher education, research and vocational education and training infrastructure.

The Government supports the focus of universities, like Curtin, in addressing the major challenges of the future to ensure Australia remains internationally competitive and brings innovation, creativity and technological know-how to our economy.

More information on the Education Investment Fund and its projects can be found at www.deewr.gov.au/eif.