New university hub announced for Western Sydney Aerotropolis
A SOUTH-west Sydney suburb will be home to its very own Silicon Valley, with four universities signing on to develop a world-class aerospace, engineering and science institution at Badgerys Creek.
Liverpool
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Liverpool will be home to its very own Silicon Valley, with four universities signing on to develop a world-class aerospace, engineering and science institution at Badgerys Creek.
The new campus is an Australian first and will see Western Sydney University, University of Wollongong, University of Newcastle and University of NSW collaborate to equip students with skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced the four universities had signed a Statement of Intent with the government to deliver the new higher education hub, which will be located in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
“The university project we have announced today is the first of its kind in Australia and the first new university built in Sydney in 50 years,” Ms Berejklian said.
“It will be a world-class institution bringing together the best and brightest educators to develop our state’s future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.
Stage One of the new university is expected to be open by 2026, coinciding with the opening of Western Sydney Airport.
Western Sydney University assistant vice-chancellor Andy Marks said STEM subjects were among the most popular disciplines for new students.
“Like all the universities, we have a thriving engineering faculty and in fact all of our STEM-related disciplines are among the fastest growing,” Dr Marks said.
“It’s an area where we’re very strong in terms of our research and investment. We’re right into robotics and automation (and we’re) very interested in developing those skill sets around Liverpool. In fact, that’s a priority for us in the Liverpool health precinct.”
He said it was an unprecedented collaboration between the universities.
“The idea of collaborating among the universities is in itself unusual. It’s a highly competitive sector.
“This is unique, in that it represents us putting those pressures aside and actually thinking, well, how we can leverage this new development in a way that benefits this region?”
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Western Sydney Business Connection general manager Amanda Brisot described the project as the region’s “own Silicon Valley”.
“By bringing together — almost in a bit of a hotbed — education, industry and then a major catalyst like the airport, it’s a very unique setting and I think that will breed innovation,” she said.
Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said it would broaden the opportunities for young residents with an interest in STEM.
“We believe it will help residents, particularly the younger folk who are in primary school now. By the time they get through high school, there will be a whole range of opportunities,” she said.
“We know our residents are already desperate to gain qualifications. We now have nearly 10,000 university students — an increase of 42 per cent in the past five years.”