The memorandum of understanding officially sets a platform for the two organisations to collaborate further on joint ventures which already include a proposed community library project, educational attainment goals and work placements.

South West TAFE’s executive officer Peter Heilbuth said the agreement documented common goals to improve education, particularly in tackling skills shortages.

“This might mean sharing services, information and infrastructure where sensible to maximise the value and use of our combined commitment to our region,” he said.

City council chief executive Bruce Anson said by collaborating on important projects and sharing resources and expertise the two organisations could achieve better results for the community.

The memorandum, which does not commit the council to additional costs, was approved by   councillors on April 28 and follows long-running discussions for a new community library  to replace the ageing municipal library at the civic centre.

In February the council and TAFE made a joint bid for government money to build the proposed library which would include a café and high-speed broadband access.

TAFE will make available a section of its campus facing Gilles Street to be fitted out as a library and community hub costing about $8 million.

The council has other memorandums of  understanding with Deakin University, Great South Coast Early Years Network and the South West Child and Family Service Alliance.