State Government helps expansion of UWA Albany regional centre

23/4/01
The State Government will provide a low interest loan to help permanently establish The University of Western Australia's Albany centre in the region.
Premier Dr Geoff Gallop said a State Government $500,000 low interest loan, together with a Commonwealth grant of $480,000, would allow the centre to move into and refurbish the heritage-listed old Post Office building.
"There has been a rapid growth in enrolments and programs since the centre opened with about 30 students in 1999.
"This year there are 66 students studying a total of 14 undergraduate units in arts, science, environmental science, agricultural science, economics, commerce, engineering and mathematical sciences, and three postgraduate programs."
Dr Gallop said the State Government was keen to encourage access to university studies in regional areas.
"The centre has gained wide support throughout the Albany community through its use of modern technology to present lectures combined with local tutorials.
"It provides skilled employment in the town and for the first time, allows local students to undertake higher education without leaving the area.
"As the centre has outgrown its present accommodation at the Education Department's district education office, we wanted to ensure it could continue to expand."
Education Minister Alan Carpenter congratulated the City of Albany for making the Post Office building available to UWA.
Mr Carpenter said the building required significant refurbishment but would be ready for the beginning of the 2002 academic year.
"The refurbishment of the interior and the upgrading of services will ensure that the building meets 21st century educational needs, while maintaining its cultural significance," he said.
"It will accommodate offices, tutorial rooms, a computer laboratory, students' common room and a function room," Dr Gallop said.
Media contacts:
Tessa Hopkins - Premier's office (08) 9222 9475
Owen Cole - Education Minister's office - 9213 6800