Southern Downs Regional Council submits proposal for regional uni hub

The Southern Downs is one step closer to bringing a tertiary education facility to the region, with council submitting an application for federal funding. See the nominated location for the university hub here.

The prospects of Warwick housing a satellite tertiary education facility just got higher, with a potential location identified.

In early October, Southern Downs Regional Council announced plans to bring a university learning hub to the region in a bid to keep students local.

University study hubs provide support to those entering or enrolled in tertiary education from any institution, with the centres providing study and meeting places and a wide range of student support and pastoral care.

Council were in the process of creating a proposal for funding with the help of local stakeholders in November.

Southern Downs Regional Council are confident in their submission to the Commonwealth Department of Education to fund a satellite tertiary education facility for the region.

Chair of the initiative’s Development Committee and mayor Vic Pennisi said council was committed to establishing educational pathways which ensure the region’s tertiary students had access to the right resources to complete their studies locally.

“Distance should not be an obstacle to higher learning, and creating the right pathways for accessible education greatly enhances a community’s liveability and suitability,” Mr Pennisi said.

The co-ordinated submission has now been made to the Commonwealth Department of Education for their consideration.

Mr Pennisi said the input and support from key educational and community stakeholders had been instrumental in building a strong case.

Southern Downs Regional Council Vic Pennisi mayor

“The enthusiasm of our community to support and recognise the benefits of a local university study hub played a key role in presenting a united vision for our submission,” he said.

“We expect that competition for the latest round of Commonwealth Government funding will be intense, however the level of detail that Southern Downs committed to this submission, and the financial support from a number of organisations greatly bolstered our case.

“Our submission has put forward the Southern Downs Industry Education Association building in Palmerin St, Warwick as the preferred location, though the application stresses that this initiative will outreach to all parts of our region.”

The key stakeholders involved in the process are Southern Downs Industry Education Association, Chamber of Commerce, TAFE, local high schools, businesses and sectors.

Submissions to the Commonwealth Department of Education closed on Friday, December 15 with results to be announced some time in March next year.