The growth at Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie Campus provides masses of opportunity, a business network forum heard.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Charles Sturt University strategic adviser, regional development, Fiona Nash gave an update to the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce forum about the university's development, community engagement and collaborative business opportunities.
Just over 60 people attended the event at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie on April 9.
Ms Nash outlined the growth since the university opened its doors at an interim Port Macquarie campus in 2012 with two courses and 34 students.
Student numbers sit at around the 1100-mark in 2019 with the purpose-built campus at capacity for its stage one development.
The university aims to offer 40 courses on campus by 2030.
"Clearly there is a massive opportunity sitting in front of us there that we are about to be able to take advantage of in so many ways," Ms Nash said.
CSU recently received planning approval for its Port Macquarie campus stage two development.
The state government has committed $15 million towards stage two with the university to invest $46 million.
The works include a two-storey teaching, learning and administrative building.
There will be a dedicated emergency services teaching and learning facility, and an innovation hub.
The innovation hub will connect the university's teaching, learning and research capabilities and capacities with local businesses to boost the Mid North Coast's international competitiveness and support the creation and development of start-up businesses.
The student capacity, projecting to 2030, is expected to be about 5500.
Ms Nash said the growth was going to have a significant positive impact on the community.
She said growth in the university provided masses of opportunity, not only for local people to take advantage of tertiary education, but also those flow-on effects through partnerships, through work with the community and a closer community connection.
The business representatives also heard about partnerships and collaborative opportunities.
What else is making news?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.