With the support of the Edward River and Berrigan Shire Councils, the Country Universities Centres (CUC) Southern Riverina steering committee will apply for capital works funding through the NSW Sustainable Communities Program.
The program was developed to counteract the impacts of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan by supporting initiatives that support and create jobs, establish industry, and support existing industry to innovate and stimulate economic development. Applications opened on March 13.
The committee also plans to apply again to secure Commonwealth funding to cover operational costs including staffing the centres over the longer term.
It comes after the committee’s attempt at receiving funding through the second round of the Regional University Study Hubs program was unsuccessful.
The continued pursuit of the CUC is listed as a top priority area in Berrigan Shire Council’s revised Advocacy Strategy, released last month.
In it, council reaffirms its commitment to provide $10,000 a year for the first four years of establishment.
The anticipated total cost in those first four years is $1.6 million.
Council employment opportunities through the Fresh Start program was the other priority areas listed under the Education, Training and Employment section of the strategy.
Council’s pledge for the CUC contributes to more than $400,000 in pledges for the project, for which the committee has a strong business case.
The centres would operate from NSW TAFE campuses in Deniliquin and Finley, with verbal agreements already supporting the initiative from both TAFE campuses to lease part of their premises.
Steering committee chair Leanne Small said CUCs in Edward River and Berrigan Shire would represent a significant opportunity to enhance educational access and stimulate economic growth in the Southern Riverina region.
“With the support of our councils and the New South Wales Government this project can become a reality and provide lasting benefits to the community.
“While it was disappointing we were unsuccessful with Commonwealth funding, that has not deterred the steering committee and we will continue to work through other options.
“It is important the community and the many businesses, organisations and individuals who have pledged funding are aware the project is still very much alive.”
Mrs Small outlined the key benefits of a regional university study hub in both locations as being:
• addressing the inequities currently experienced in our region regarding accessing tertiary education,
• stimulating local economies through job creation and encouraging our students to build careers locally and
• fostering a skilled, local workforce, which can contribute to the overall development of the community.
“We will be writing to potential partners and those who have made pledges to confirm their commitment. We are also actively encouraging funding commitments from other donors and sponsors,” Mrs Small said.
“We have strong local government support from Edward River Council and Berrigan Shire Council.
“The respective mayors have a continued commitment to this project and will help with lobbying efforts at State and Commonwealth level.
“The steering committee also plans to transition to an incorporated board, wants to finalise lease agreements with TAFE New South Wales, and then we hope to be in a position to start staff recruitment and fit out of premises.”
Mrs Small added the committee has developed compelling reasons for the Country Universities Centres and hopes these will be recognised by governments, so the project can proceed.
“We need this education avenue for our communities, and the steering committee is determined to see the project through to successful completion,” Mrs Small said.
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