Brisbane – Towards a Learning City and a City of Learning Communities

Campin S¹*

1. Community Information Branch, Brisbane City Council, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The momentum behind the Learning Cities and Learning Regions movement in Australia has gathered speed in recent years. The Brisbane Learning City model is quite different to those that have emerged nationally. As with other international approaches, lifelong learning is seen as a key platform in supporting community engagement and community development, the sustainable management of the environment and economic growth through innovation. The Brisbane model however operates within a context of rapid population growth and community transformation.

In 2002–2003, South East Queensland experienced 29.1% of Australia’s total population growth. The region is predicted to continue attracting an additional 50,000 people each year until 2026 to reach a population of 3,709,000. Brisbane City accounts for 30% of the SEQ region growth. In 2003, the most significant population change in Queensland was in the 45–64 age group. Brisbane has emerged internationally as a recognised City of Learning where international students alone contribute over $1.3 billion per annum to the City’s economy.

This paper will outline the Brisbane City Council Lifelong Learning Program and how it has evolved since 2002. In particular the paper will outline:

• Key challenges of lifelong learning for Brisbane
• Key drivers for the future direction of the Brisbane City Council Lifelong Learning program
• The specific components of the program – projects and services
• Strategic external partnerships
• Results to date.

The paper will outline Brisbane’s achievements in supporting a culture of learning and in responding to the lifelong learning needs of its many communities within a diverse regional setting.

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