University funding needed for growing regional economy

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed says funding for an expansion at La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus should be a high priority for the next Victorian Government.

Ms Sheed said the university had a well developed proposal for a new $21 million building that would cater for the increasing number of courses and student enrolments and bolster plans for a state-of-the-art regional education precinct in the centre of town.

She said La Trobe University played a crucial role in the Shepparton District education landscape, ensuring young people were provided with as many opportunities to continue their studies as possible.

“The university works collaboratively with all secondary colleges throughout the region, Goulburn Ovens TAFE and the broader community to cater for the individual needs of our diverse community and create pathways to high education,” Ms Sheed said.

“La Trobe has also contributed significantly to the development of our Shepparton Education Plan and represents a much-needed beacon for increasing the aspirations and job opportunities for our young people.

“I have been working with La Trobe University and the Victorian Minister for Regional Development to progress this project for some time, but we need a firm commitment to the university’s future as well as a share of funding from the Commonwealth.

Ms Sheed said an expanded university would bring significant benefit to the region and would help address the ongoing skills shortage.

“With more than $660 million of critical infrastructure investment being spent in the region on health, education, rail and road projects, now is the time to ensure our young people are equipped for jobs now and into the future,” Ms Sheed said.

“Not only will this expansion support the education of the professional workforce required to drive strong economic growth, it will also enable La Trobe to further develop its focus on research and industry engagement.

“As a powerhouse of food production and processing, this would give the Shepparton District the opportunity to really establish ourselves as an industry centre of excellence and thought leader in the agricultural field.”

 

ENDS

Media contact

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│suzanna.sheed2018@gmail.com

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