A university campus has been “put on the wish list” for Nelson Bay, Tomaree Business Chamber members were told on Thursday.
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Regional Development Australia, Hunter, was invited to the quarterly business breakfast to share its vision for Port Stephens.
RDA Hunter CEO Susan Wilson said to boost the economy Port Stephens must begin to retain young people through educational infrastructure.
“A combined satellite campus and incubator is on our wish list,” she said.
“We have to give our young people the choice and chance at staying in the region.”
Ms Wilson took the helm of RDA Hunter in April, with a 20 year international business and consulting career.
Her role is to oversee the development of economic opportunities through RDA programs like STEM which aims to introduce young people to those science, technology, engineering and maths subjects tipped to be part of the next economic wave.
“There’s no work done yet on a satellite campus but with the Port Stephens geography it would make sense to do it and help anchor talent here,” she said.
“Building something like that does require a lot of money and planning.”
But she’s confident the desire and means exist.
Ms Wilson pointed to the City Deals program under the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
City Deals was implemented to form partnerships between the federal, state and local government along with industry and community.
The aim is to develop plans for growth and investment.
“It really starts with sitting down and thinking about what’s needed,” Ms Wilson said.
“At no other time has there been a greater focus on the Hunter from the state government.”
Ms Wilson did acknowledge that a fast, reliable internet service was a must.
Tomaree Business Chamber business development officer Peter Clough said the campus had certainly stirred interest among members.
Especially with 2000 students enrolled between Tomaree High School and St Philip’s Christian College.
“All of these kids that do their HSC, they have to leave the area because there’s essentially nothing here for them,” Mr Clough said.
“Whether it’s a university satellite or some other tertiary college, we need something.”
Given the area’s tourism and aged care focus Mr Clough said studies around these industries would “make a lot of sense”.
“It’s amazing that with this area’s tourism industry and restaurants that we don’t have an outreach centre for hospitality,” he said.
Such a move would be “genius”.
“Whoever brought the University of Newcastle campus into Newcastle itself is a genius,” Mr Clough said.
“All of those students living in the CBD and buying coffee is great for the economy.”