High-quality infrastructure
High-quality physical and technological infrastructure are critical elements of a world-class university. Such infrastructure includes the built environment of the campus, the iconic research facilities required to be a research leader in many disciplines and the IT systems required for teaching and research. Access to the world stock of knowledge through libraries and innovative teaching spaces, is essential to the delivery of engaging education.
Provision of such infrastructure is, however, extremely expensive and requires careful planning, not only for its acquisition, but also its ongoing maintenance and ultimate replacement. Historically, the University has been successful in opportunistically responding to funding opportunities. However, such an approach can mean that funding prospects drive developments even if these are not necessarily the highest priority for the institution. ANU will aim to be as strategic as possible in our infrastructure development, through:
- developing a detailed Capital Management Plan to parallel the Campus Master Plan
- planning and lobbying for funds for research and teaching facilities of national importance which should be located at ANU. As Australia's national university, a concentration of facilities of national importance is warranted. ANU will work with the Australian university and research communities to plan for such major infrastructure developments. This list will need to be continually updated, as requirements change
- clearly understanding the long-term maintenance requirements of the extensive property portfolio held by ANU
- planning and decision processes for developing the University's information infrastructure and services which ensure that they are enabling, valued and shaped to support ANU objectives
- continually examining opportunities to develop facilities in partnership with the corporate world, particularly in the ANU Exchange.
ANU has a strong track record in innovative 'green' initiatives and implementing sustainable practices across the campus.
- ANU aims to provide a research and study environment that meets world's best sustainability practice with the intent that ANU will innovate and lead in the global challenge of sustainability.
Some measures of success
- By 2020, ANU will be widely seen as a natural host for many national research and education infrastructure investments.
- By the end of 2012, a detailed list of major national facilities which could be located at ANU will be developed and a funding/lobbying strategy for each developed.
- By the end of 2012, a Capital Management Plan will be produced to guide development and maintenance of facilities.
- By the end of 2012, an Assets Management Plan and a road-map for information architecture will be created to guide development of the University's information infrastructure.
