MRC’s university centre funding bid was knocked back by the Federal Government.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Murray River Council’s application for funding to establish a country university centre in Moama has been declined by the Federal Government.
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Council sought to open a centre in Martin St for local students to complete tertiary qualifications without needing to leave their local communities.
The application included funding for necessary capital improvements and ongoing operational costs through to 2028, amounting to $1,635,438.
Mayor John Harvie said the response from the government was disappointing.
“We are naturally disappointed with the outcome, as we firmly believed that establishing a CUC in Echuca-Moama would have provided significant benefits to our community and the wider region,” he said.
“This was a unique opportunity to reduce financial barriers to education, support local and regional workforce development, and enable residents to access tertiary education without the need to relocate.”
Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
There are currently 22 university centres operating in 35 communities across regional NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
The plan was for the proposed centre in Moama to collaborate with educational institutions, industry organisations and local employers such as Echuca Regional Health, to align educational activities with regional employment needs.
Cr Harvie said the centres had proven successful in their current locations and kept young adults close to home.
“It’s a tried and tested model showing a high success rate,” Cr Harvie said.
“Importantly, it has demonstrated that young people who would otherwise have to study elsewhere to pursue their educational dreams have jumped at the chance to do it close to home.”
Council said it would continue to explore other avenues and advocate for initiatives that supported education and workforce development.
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