Joint Murdoch Uni/TAFE facilities for Mandurah and Rockingham

7/7/94

Joint Murdoch University/TAFE facilities will be established in Mandurah and Rockingham in a major expansion of post secondary education in Perth's south-west corridor.

State Education, Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore said today that WA's recommended plan for the joint facilities had been approved by Federal Employment, Education and Training Minister Simon Crean.

Mr Crean had confirmed the commitment of $7.3 million in 1996 for capital works and student places associated with the developments.

This was in addition to the $5.7 million provided through the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) for capital funding for TAFE facilities in the Peel region.

"The Commonwealth is prepared to consider the allocation of about $19 million for the University over the 1996-98 period, providing agreements were reached with the State and the education institutions over respective contributions," Mr Crean said.

"Pending satisfactory negotiations, I expect a further allocation of funds for the South West development will be made in December."

Mr Moore said land adjacent to Rockingham TAFE would be developed jointly as an education and training precinct.

Collaboration between Murdoch University and TAFE would enable specialisation to meet the needs of local industry for training, research and development.

The relocation of TAFE engineering facilities from Fremantle to Rockingham would assist in the expansion of engineering courses to degree level.

The location of the Mandurah precinct was still being finalised, with two sites - at Gordon Road and on the Mandurah Peninsula - under evaluation.

Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Boyce welcomed the announcement and said the University, in collaboration with TAFE, was looking forward to servicing the needs of the rapidly growing south-west corridor.

Media contact:  Ross Storey  321 1444  /  222 9595