The Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Mr Greg Hunt, visited the Central Coast on Wednesday, October 5, to lead a round-table discussion about opportunities set to emerge from the Central Coast Medical School and Medical Research Institute.
Following the round table, Mr Hunt announced that the Liberal Government would be convening a precinct taskforce for the Central Coast, to be chaired by the Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks. “This will bring the private sector, local government, the University, the hospital and people who are currently working within the health space together. “This taskforce will construct a fi ve year plan for the Medical Precinct Research Institute, with construction expected to be completed in 2019”, said Mr Hunt.
This medical research institute has now created construction jobs and will generate 750 new jobs associated with the medical school in 2019, according to the Minister. Ms Wicks said: “As the member for Robertson I want to make sure that these jobs are not just in Sydney and Newcastle, but right here in the heart of Gosford.” Labor Senator, Ms Deborah O’Neill responded to Mr Hunt’s announcement by stating that Labor was thankful to Mr Turnbull for honouring his promise to the people of the Central Coast but put the government on notice that these talks must result in action.
Sen O’Neill said when it comes to following through on their promises to the people of the region, the Liberals don’t have a great track record, from delayed road projects to the disastrous rollout of the national broadband on the Coast. According to Ms Wicks, the medical research institute to be established at Gosford Hospital will be an Australian fi rst, which will be driven by the University of Newcastle partnered with the Liberal government. The round-table discussion attended by Mr Hunt was initiated by the Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks. Representatives from the University of Newcastle, Central Coast Local Health District, Central Coast Council and industry experts attended the landmark discussion at the University’s campus in Ourimbah. Mr Hunt said that the meeting sought to unlock other opportunities for the region, including Industry Growth Centres and Incubator Support initiatives.
“The Turnbull Government will deliver $32.5 million in capital funding for the medical school precinct at Gosford Hospital, as part of its commitment to boost jobs and drive economic growth on the Central Coast,” Mr Hunt said. “The precinct will be a globally connected and locally focussed, worldclass facility which will deliver 765 jobs and more than $200 million in direct economic benefi t,” he said. “Now, it’s time to hear how we can drive innovation and opportunity by making the Medical School a hub that attracts even more industries and jobs.” Ms Wicks said the focus was on identifying opportunities to boost collaboration, to engage with international markets and build from the University’s global links. “This is an unprecedented opportunity for Gosford to become a centre of excellence for health and education,” Ms Wicks said.
“Together with the delivery of 600 new Federal jobs by the end of next year, we are building an economic foundation for our region’s future,” she said. “The Medical School precinct has the potential to be a hub from which we can attract even more groundbreaking projects and organisations to Gosford. “The Research Institute will focus on the delivery of integrated healthcare, and will be shaped by a Global Advisory Board that could see even more jobs, and more doctors, fl ooding into our region. “It’s great to be joined by so many experts on the Central Coast. “With the fi rst students on track to be studying here by 2019, the Government is determined to do everything we can to maximise this opportunity for the local area.”
Media release, Oct 4, 2016 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks Media release, Oct 5, 2016 Scott Coomber, office of Deborah O’Neill, Press conference notes, Oct 5, 2016 Mr Greg Hunt, Minister for Innovation Cole Newman, journalist Caitlin Lavelle, journalist