Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority has relocated its Warrnambool office to the campus, which has opened new opportunities for collaboration and research.

Twelve CMA Warrnambool-based staff have moved from the Lava Street office.

After uncertainty about its future two years ago, and nearly closing, the university was thrown a $14 million lifeline from the federal government to grow its offerings and make the campus sustainable. 

The majority of  the CMAs Warrnambool staff graduated from the university.

Warrnambool campus director Alistair McCosh said the new CMA connection would benefit students and the community.

“Deakin welcomes Glenelg Hopkins CMA onto the campus and looks forward to collaborating on possible research activities that will benefit our region,” Mr McCosh said.

“The opportunity for our students to undertake work placement and research activity with the CMA is a very exciting development for both organisations.” 

Glenelg Hopkins CMA chief executive Adam Bester said the new location would present more opportunities for collaboration. 

“Glenelg Hopkins CMA is seeking to develop relationships, recognising the need to engage with the local community, universities and agencies in water, land, coastal and marine management,” Mr Bester said.

“This move to Deakin will provide a more flexible approach with some room to move, with access to meeting rooms and the opportunity for Hamilton-based staff coming to Warrnambool as the need requires.”

Glenelg Hopkins CMA’s main office will remain at French Street in Hamilton.

AFL Western District also operates out of the Warrnambool campus.