Study of appropriate sites for Murdoch University campus

23/12/93

Education and planning experts have been given until the end of March 1994 to recommend appropriate sites and facilities for Murdoch University's planned Kwinana/Rockingham campus.

Education Minister Norman Moore today announced that a steering committee, chaired by Professor Gordon Stanley, would carry out a three-month study of the issues before making recommendations to him.

Mr Moore said the steering committee included representatives from the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET); the Western Australian Ministry of Education; the Department of Training; the Department of Planning and Urban Development; and Murdoch University.

"This group will report to me with their recommendations by March 31 next year," the Minister said.

"Talks with the Commonwealth have reached agreeement that the Murdoch campus will be considered as part of a broad development plan for the south-west corridor.

"This plan includes consideration of co-locating integrated activities for the delivery of both TAFE and university education."

Mr Moore welcomed the Commonwealth's commitment to provide funds to assist with the development of the new campus.

A total of $7.3 million would be provided by the Commonwealth in 1996, for capital works and student places associated with the development.  One hundred extra student places had been allocated specifically for Murdoch's planned new campus.

"Murdoch University agrees that complex issues need to be considered before reaching a final decision, and that careful consideration is required," Mr Moore said.

"The steering committee will investigate all the issues appropriate to the region and I will make a final decision based on this advice."

Media contact:  Ross Storey 321 1444 / 222 9595