Tuesday, 30 June 2009

The University of Western Australia has welcomed yesterday's announcement by Premier Colin Barnett that the State Government would contribute $3 million towards a $6 million expansion of UWA's Albany campus.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the funding would enable Albany to proceed with plans for a $6 million new sciences building.

"The Albany campus is a leader in regional tertiary education facilities and has become an integral part of the city," Professor Robson said.

"The funding commitment will match Federal Government and University funding and enable our expansion plans to proceed, for the benefit of students in the south-west and the Albany community."

Premier Barnett said the new facility would be a major boost to higher education in the Great Southern region.

He said the State Government's commitment to the project included $1.5million over three years through the Royalties for Regions program and $1.5million from the Department of Education Services.

"The new building and its associated research and teaching programs will give the Albany community better access to a tertiary education at one of Australia's best universities."

The new 1,000 square metre building will provide additional classrooms, a science/medical library and 12 academic offices.  It will also:

  • Provide a boost for the Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management in earth and environmental sciences in the Great Southern Region.
  • Allow for an expansion of the Rural Clinical School, where budding doctors can spend a year of their training in rural medicine.
  • Provide additional space for research staff and postgraduate students.
  • Provide more teaching and laboratory space for existing programs and future growth.

"UWA supports the educational, cultural and social benefits that accrue to a community through having a viable and vibrant higher education centre based in the region," Professor Robson said.

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8) 6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716

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