CANBERRA University came and went, but the idea of a tertiary presence in Goulburn has flared again.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The council is exploring a 'university precinct' in conjunction with Hume MP Angus Taylor.
Possible sites include part of the Illawarra TAFE site or the council's building in Clinton St.
Mayor Geoff Kettle told the Post he'd already had talks with the University of Western Sydney (UWS) about their interest in Goulburn.
But whether this involves establishment of a campus here or simply running courses out of a community type 'universities centre' is not yet clear.
"It's early days yet," Cr Kettle said.
He and the council's general manager Warwick Bennett will meet with UWS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover in coming weeks.
Professor Glover is also the chair of Universities Australia, the peak body representing tertiary institutions.
"They (UWS) are quite keen as long as we can come up with the statistics to whet their appetite. That work is being done right now," Cr Kettle said.
"They want to know that if they come it will be worthwhile and that's why we are talking to local high schools about appropriate courses."
He said secondary school principals told of high student drop out rates from university courses, partly due to travel and remoteness.
Cr Kettle said a university was a logical way to keep youth in town for both education and jobs that might flow.
The council is working with the Canberra Region Organisation of Councils on a business case.
If not a specific university campus, the council is also exploring a model based on the successful Cooma Universities Centre.
Cooma Shire Council and then president of the Isolated Children's and Parents Association president, Duncan Taylor (Angus Taylor's brother) initiated the idea more than three years ago. Duncan Taylor is now a Cooma Universities Centre board member.
The council provided a building, allowing students completing distance education to come together for mutual support and tutorials.
Cooma Shire Mayor Dean Lynch said in three years, 150 students had undertaken 50 different courses through 28 universities.
These included a Bachelor of Education facilitated by Central Queensland University and a Bachelor of Business in partnership with the University of Canberra. The Centre is also exploring courses in health and nursing and agriculture.
The building is fitted out with 20 computers, fast broadband connection, video-conferencing facilities, study space and a kitchenette, all courtesy of Snowy Hydro funding.