The University of New England’s second campus is a step closer following the signing of the funding deed between the university and the NSW Government.
Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said $26.6 million from the NSW Government’s Growing Local Economies fund will help ensure economic and social benefits for the whole New England North West for generations to come.
“I’m thrilled that this project is progressing, as it will deliver a vibrant new campus for Tamworth with multi-purpose facilities to support teaching, research and collaboration,” Mr Anderson said.
“The construction of a new campus will unlock jobs for the New England region, and once built, will play a crucial role in educating workforces and driving innovation, benefitting the future careers of thousands of students in Tamworth and beyond.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government is committed to boosting regional NSW with transformative infrastructure like the UNE Tamworth campus.
“The new campus will mean Tamworth residents can study close to home and continue to live and work in their community, keeping their skills in the local workforce and ensuring they don’t have to travel for hours to study,” Mr Toole said.
“We are continuing to work with communities to invest record amounts of money into infrastructure and services, so more people can realise the potential of our regions, and the UNE Tamworth campus is a prime example of that.”
UNE Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Brigid Heywood said the execution of the funding deed marks the next major stage of development of UNE Tamworth.
“I am exceptionally proud to have reached this pivotal point in the UNE Tamworth journey, and thank all those teams who have worked tirelessly to accomplish significant funding for this project,” Professor Heywood said.
“Delivering education in the places and communities where it is needed is a cornerstone of UNE’s strategy for the next decade. We are committed to delivering education that meets Tamworth industry and community needs.”
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said this was an exciting new milestone for Tamworth.
“The introduction of a university campus to service Tamworth and surrounds will be of huge benefit to our residents by complementing existing tertiary education offerings, facilitating smart growth, creating a prosperous region and strengthening our proud identity.
“We are proud to be involved in expanding on the educational options in the Tamworth region, and thank both the NSW Government and University of New England for their hard work and enthusiasm in bringing this project to fruition.”
Growing Local Economies is one of the programs in the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is delivering the economic, infrastructure and lifestyle improvements that make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play.
For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/regionalgrowth
