Labor’s pledge to fund Central Coast University of Newcastle campuses
A Shorten Labor government would commit $133 million to the University of Newcastle’s presence on the Central Coast, blowing the government’s $18 million commitment to a Gosford CBD campus out of the water.
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A Shorten Labor government would commit $133 million to the University of Newcastle’s presence on the Central Coast, blowing the government’s $18 million commitment to a Gosford CBD campus out of the water.
At an announcement this morning, Robertson Labor candidate Anne Charlton, Dobell MP Emma McBride and Erina-based Labor Senator Deb O’Neill, first pledged $28 million to help build the infrastructure for Gosford’s first university campus and education precinct.
Then dropped a $105 million commitment towards ensuring 2000 university places on the Central Coast over the next decade.
Under Labor’s vision, the region would be served by two interconnected campuses in Gosford and Ourimbah, each with distinct offerings.
University of Newcastle vice-chancellor Alex Zelinsky AO said they were keen to make a difference on the Central Coast with a $250 million vision for Gosford campus.
“This funding will allow us to build the first part of that campus,” he said.
“The economic impact of our vision is $1.8 billion.”
Mr Zelinsky said he was thrilled to have bipartisan support for the project, and hoped the State Government would also provide funding.
He said the location was up in the air, but ideally would be close to the hospital and CBD.
The University’s vision also includes a 300 bed facility for students in Gosford which would be affordable.
“We not only want to support local kids but bring other people to the community,” he said.
At Ourimbah, the University would enhance its partnership with TAFE NSW to provide new opportunities for young people to pursue further study across the sectors.
The new Gosford Campus would support up to 1000 jobs during peak operation and construction would be expected as early as 2022.
Ms Charlton said a person from North Sydney is three times more likely to have a degree than someone from the Central Coast.
“Youth unemployment remains higher than the NSW average,” Ms Charlton said.
“Around 70 per cent of undergraduate university students study outside the region. Thousands of residents leave the Central Coast every day to commute to work.
“We need to do much better, and projects like the new campus at Gosford will make a big difference.
“Labor’s funding will support the University of Newcastle to deliver a world-class education, research and innovation hub geared towards equipping the people of the Central Cost with skills for the future.”
Ms O’Neill said the university’s facility would include a learning and support hub, community and clinical services centre, small business and entrepreneurship centre.
“Courses will be tailored to the region and projected job opportunities in areas including business and law, communication, early childhood, social work, marine science, cyber security and data science,” she said.
“The University will strengthen its relationship with TAFE NSW to develop and deliver articulation pathways and sub-degree credentials, providing lifelong learning opportunities for locals.
“This will enable many of the 24,000 Central Cost residents with advanced diploma and diploma completions to upskill to bachelor level and beyond, to meet the growing job needs of the region.
“The University will also work closely with local schools to provide exciting learning opportunities and support students’ transition out of high school,” Senator O’Neill said.
Ms McBride said youth unemployment figures on the coast were above the national and state average.
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“This is such a significant announcement for the coast,” she said.
“It will give so many opportunities for young people to require the skills they need to have a steady career.”
Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment Jason Clare said eight out of 10 jobs required a TAFE certificate or University degree.
“Not enough people across the coast get the chance to do that at the moment,” he said.
“If you have a university close, there’s a better chance you will study locally. This is going to make a world of difference … it’s a game changer.”
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