Western Sydney University has commended the NSW Government’s commitment to transformative infrastructure projects in the 2018-19 budget, but called for further investment in knowledge job generation and earlier delivery on transport links to secure the region’s future.
“With projects such as the Sydney West Metro, we can’t afford to wait,’’ says university vice-chancellor and president, Professor Barney Glover.
“Let’s have an early and firm completion date to match the funding commitment,’’ he said.
“Transport connections will be pivotal in supporting the further development of the Westmead super precinct, Australia’s most critical health and education research hub.
“Equally, the Liverpool Hospital upgrade – which the university’s recently opened high-tech Liverpool City campus will help drive – will bring world-class research and teaching to a rapidly growing area,’’ Prof Barney said.
Western Sydney University is a major provider of medical graduates within the region.
Having the most highly rated nursing and midwifery course in Australia, enables WSU to establish partnerships in health teaching and to carry out critical research specific to the needs of the community.
Professor Glover also highlighted the need for greater long term vision to encourage future focused industry to commit to Western Sydney.
“The 2018 budget’s support for early education and TAFE will assist with the employment challenge we currently face in the west,” he said.
“We are keen to see further announcements on the State Government’s commitment under the Western Sydney City Deal, which promised to deliver 200,000 knowledge jobs to the area, requiring investment in industry, government and university partnerships and research infrastructure.”
Key 2018-19 NSW Budget announcements for Western Sydney University:
The $3 billion dedicated to an underground metro railway connecting Parramatta with the Sydney CBD as part of Sydney Metro West, which will help link Western Sydney University campuses to the city.
A $740 million investment in Liverpool Hospital to create a world-leading health and academic precinct, which will further enhance the newly opened Western Sydney University vertical campus in Liverpool that links to Liverpool Hospital for training and teaching.
The NSW budget has released $19.2 million to facilitate a world class development at the Western Sydney Airport and Aerotropolis area, which will include a Western Sydney University presence and partnership with related future focused industry.
