The president-elect of the UQ (Student) Union Sarah McBratney believes next year the Union will become even more accessible and responsive to the University's 28,500 students.
20-year-old Ms McBratney led the progressive left-wing Impact team to victory at recent Union elections and will succeed incumbent president Matthew Carter on December 13.
She will oversee a $3 million budget and a staff of more than 200.
She said the combination of the $5 million Union building developments at St Lucia, and increased faculty representation initiatives meant that UQ students had opportunities for a greater say in the running of their Union.
"Currently there is no disabled access to the Union offices at St Lucia and students have to go upstairs to reach executive members," she said.
"The new development extending from the present Union complex in front of the Relaxation Block will make the Union more accessible to all students.
"A key element of this is the creation of a one-stop contact point designed to bring all of the Union's services and information into one central location. Initiatives like this are integral to ensuring the Union maintains its relevance and becomes a truly dynamic students' union.
"Stage one is due for completion in March 2000, and stage two incorporating a student cultural area, bar and band venue overlooking the lakes will follow, and is due for completion late 2000."
She said another innovation for 2000 was the creation of eight new student representative positions.
Ms McBratney, currently Union Education Vice-President, is a third-year part-time Arts student majoring in Government and German language. Her team's winning platform included a commitment to universally accessible education, social justice, and elimination of sexism, racism and homophobia on campus.
Further information: Sarah McBratney, telephone 07 3377 2200.
