The University of Newcastle issued a statement on Wednesday, June 3 in response to local government statements about the future of its Central Coast Campus at Ourimbah.
UON Central Coast at Ourimbah is a university for the whole Central Coast region,” the university’s statement said. “We know residents of Gosford and Wyong Shire are as committed as we are to having a world-class university delivering programs in their region,” it said. “UON Central Coast is an integral part of the University, and will remain so.” The statement said the University was proud to be part of the Central Coast region, and to operate the Central Coast campus through a long- standing partnership with NSW TAFE Hunter Institute. “More than $100 million has been invested in facilities at Ourimbah over 25 years, with more than $20 million in new developments since 2007, and $1.5 million for the new state-of-the-art Oral Health simulation facility opened in May.” UON plans more investment in the campus, the statement said. “With partners including the Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford Council and Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP, we propose to expand our presence … at Wyong Hospital…” Currently, UON offers 18 programs on the Coast across four of its fi ve faculties. “We are exploring expansion of the programs we offer, based on regional demand, and will engage with our stakeholders to ensure our program mix is appropriate. “UON Central Coast is home to world-class research including the new ARC Training Centre for Food and Beverage Supply Chain Optimisation, announced late May, representing a $2.1 million investment in research, based on the Central Coast. “The University of Newcastle is surprised to learn that its UON Central Coast campus… has been absorbed into a vision for a brand new three-campus institution on the Central Coast. “The University has not been consulted on the proposal.” The statement said UON would be happy to engage with Wyong Council on delivering expanded education provision
Statement, 3 June 2015 Joanna Harrison, media manager, University of Newcastle