Funds towards extension of Curtin Uni post-grad course

10/6/94

The State Government is to contribute $25,000 towards enhancing tertiary education opportunities for people living in regional areas.

The State Planning Commission and the Department of Commerce and Trade will each contribute $12,500 towards extending the post graduate urban and regional planning course at Curtin University.

The move was announced today by Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan and Planning Minister Richard Lewis.

The funding will see Curtin's Post Graduate Diploma of Urban and Regional Planning extended on an external basis for country based students and practitioners.

The proposal to extend the course was an initiative of the Great Southern Development Commission and the Royal Australian Planning Institute.

Mr Lewis said the State Planning Commission's contribution was in addition to $30,000 it had already committed to the creation of a new chair in Planning at Curtin.

"The extended course also enhances moves by the Government to provide an added planning focus to regional areas through the creation of a new Western Australian Planning Commission," the Minister said.

Mr Cowan said that extending the course was a vital step in increasing opportunities for people living in regional areas.

"This funding commitment by the Government is a positive step forward in providing additional services and facilities for people living in our country areas," he said.

"It also complements a Government initiative last year to establish regional development councils, which is also aimed at providing increased support and development opportunities in regional areas."

Media contact:    Paul Plowman (09) 222 9595

Peter Jackson (09) 222 9595