Southern Cross University has received funding to build a $28 million engineering precinct, following a grant from the federal government announced today.
The university’s plan is a response to a significant shortage of graduating engineers and will include ‘flexible and contemporary’ learning spaces at the university’s Lismore campus, according to vice-chancellor Professor Peter Lee.
Federal funding was jointly announced yesterday by tertiary education minister Chris Evans and Page MP Janelle Saffin.
The state will also kick in $259,000 and the university will reach into its coffers to find $10 million to finalise the refurbishment, which also includes revamping the campus library.
Ms Saffin says the project will benefit the wider Lismore community as well as the university.
‘It’s a great investment. It’s creating jobs now and creating jobs for the future. The figures from the university say it will add $135 million to our regional economy over 10 years,’ she told ABC local radio this morning.
