New CDU campus ‘expensive, high risk, new infrastructure project’

FORMER CDU Professor of Governance Don Fuller has written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison — expressing his concerns over the proposed central business district development

The bold plan to build a $430 million Charles Darwin University campus in the Darwin CBD is edging closer. PIC: SUPPLIED ARTISTS IMPRESSION

FORMER Charles Darwin University Professor of Governance Don Fuller has written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison — expressing his concerns over the proposed central business district development.

Professor Don Fuller.

In his letter, Prof Fuller said there was a lack of consultation with key stakeholders within the NT and said both CDU and the NT Government should focus on managing and overcoming its financial difficulties — before taking on an “expensive, high risk, new infrastructure project”.

“In an attempt to justify the new inner — city development, Charles Darwin University proposes to attract 5000 international students to the new city campus by 2025,” Prof Fuller wrote.

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“This is despite failed attempts to relocate the business schools of both higher education and vocational education and training in a high-rise building at the water front close to the Darwin Central Business District.

“It is far from clear how such numbers are to be attracted to the university.”

Artist impression of the proposed $430m Darwin CDU city campus SUPPLIED

Mr Fuller also said given the serious financial problems facing both CDU and the NT Government it seemed “precarious in the extreme, to embark on such a high risk major infrastructure project based on ill-explained predictions to attract such a relatively high number of international students”.

“This is particularly the case given the lack of independent economic and project analysis undertaken to date to justify the project,” he said.

“Without independent oversight and analysis, even the best-intentioned projects can end up a compromised, overpriced mess.”

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said he was disappointed to learn about Prof Fuller’s letter in the media.

“Don Fuller has not worked at Charles Darwin University since 2013, which perhaps explains in part why his letter to the Prime Minister contains errors, supposition and distorted perceptions about CDU’s current operations and future plans,” he said.

“Mr Fuller did not bother to contact the university to discuss his concerns or attempt to expand his knowledge on key matters including our City Deal project before writing his letter; rather he quoted unnamed sources and anecdotal evidence that is simply ill-informed.

“We have worked very closely with the Australian Government, the Territory Government and the City of Darwin to help deliver an exciting City Deal that will have major positive impacts for both the University, the City of Darwin and more broadly, Northern Australia.

“We remain committed in our work to build a stronger university for a stronger Northern Territory.”