Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said he felt “incredibly positive” about the future of Warrnambool's Deakin University campus after meeting with Deakin Vice Chancellor Jane den Hollander and members of the Regional Tertiary Advisory Group (RTAG) on Tuesday.
Mr Tehan confirmed the $14 million that was offered by the Federal Government to broker a deal with Federation University would support an ongoing Deakin Warrnambool campus.
"Now that it's clear that Deakin will be remaining, we are arranging a meeting between ourselves and the newly appointed Higher Education Minister – we have to wait to see who that is," he said.
"Then obviously we want to make sure that the $14 million which was put on the table will now be used to ensure an ongoing presence of Deakin in Warrnambool."
Mr Tehan said it was likely the Coalition Government’s ministry would be known by Monday.
He said Federation University had passed up a wonderful opportunity.
“The south-west and Warrnambool are a wonderful community and I think they have missed a real opportunity but that is their decision and I think Deakin are the beneficiary of that,” Mr Tehan said.
He also said it was important to increase enrolments at the Warrnambool campus.
"It is a fantastic university and if we are to make it a success here in the south-west we have to get enrolments up," he said.
Mr Tehan also said the government's proposal to remove caps on places in associate degrees could open up more pathways for students at Warrnambool's Deakin University campus.
RTAG co-chair Kylie Gaston said Deakin had made a commitment to working with the community into the future.
“Federation Uni has not worked out and we are moving on,” she said.
“For 2017 you can enrol in teaching, nursing, commerce, law, marine science and psychology.
“Enrolments are open and open day is August 7.
“RTAG has made a commitment to work with industry and Deakin to help secure internships that can go hand-in-hand with degrees.”
South West Coast MP Roma Britnell urged the university’s council to continue to support the campus.
She said it was vital the community worked together to help drive up enrolments.
“I’ll also be asking the State Government to consider incentives to help attract prospective students to Warrnambool. The state Training and Skills Minister Steve Herbert has an important role to play in this,” Mrs Britnell said.
“We all have an important role to play to ensure tertiary education remains in the region.
“If you have ever considered a studying at university, now is the time to do it.”