Government announces University of Wollongong's inclusion in regional funding pool

Sep 15, 2003

The Federal Government today announced that the University of Wollongong will receive funds totalling almost $4 million over the next four years through the Government's regional loading initiative.

The 1.5 per cent loading, sought by the University, is in recognition of the close links that UOW has within the community and to assist with the higher costs faced by regional universities such as Wollongong.

The University's main campus had been excluded from regional funding, based on its population size, when the Budget was brought down in May but the University and regional MPs lobbied the government to reconsider the decision. UOW argued that with a Wollongong population of 257,000 the University was borderline to be considered for regional loading funds. The cut-off for support under the program had been set at 250,000.

The Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr Brendan Nelson, made the announcement this morning in Canberra in a telephone hook-up to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton.

Present during the telephone hook-up were the Member for Gilmore, Ms Joanna Gash, and the Member for Eden-Monaro, Mr Gary Nairn. The two MPs, along with the Member for Hughes, Ms Danna Vale, were among politicians who strongly supported the University in its bid to have the regional money.

The Vice-Chancellor said he greatly appreciated the Minister for listening to the issues raised by the University and he also particularly welcomed the support he received from the three MPs -- Ms Gash, Mr Nairn and Ms Vale.

Professor Sutton said the announcement was now clear acknowledgment of the vital role that the University plays within the region.

The Vice-Chancellor said it must be stressed that the University of Wollongong would receive money from a new funding band and the decision did not mean that money would be taken from those regional universities that had already qualified.

The Federal Government has earlier agreed to provide regional funds to UOW's satellite campuses of Bega (7.5 per cent loading); Nowra, Batemans Bay and Moss Vale (5 per cent loading).

For further information contact the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Operations), Professor John Patterson on (02) 4221 3940.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128