Port Macquarie Hastings Council is set to become a ‘test’ case in the Federal Government’s bid to raise tertiary education levels in lower socioeconomic areas.
Council and the Hastings Education and Skills Forum have successfully lobbied for a funding agreement that aims to see an extra 500 people at university each year until 2025.
Local Federal MP, Rob Oakeshott, said the agreement represents the region’s best shot at overcoming the generational issue of low tertiary education rates.
“Whatever measures you use to benchmark our region – be it employment, economic activity, wages, or Closing the Gap issues – it is these education pathways that are central, and this funding agreement will now set the education agenda for the next decade, both locally and nationally,” Rob Oakeshott said.
Council’s General Manager Andrew Roach said the funding announcement is a major breakthrough for regional education to create clear pathways for young people wanting to live, study and work in the Hastings.
“The lack of enhanced university presence has possibly been the single greatest impediment to further development of the local economy,” he said.
“Following last year’s Bradley Review into higher education, the Government is aiming for 40 per cent of all 25 to 34 year olds in Australia to have a Bachelor Degree by 2025.
“On the Mid North Coast right now, that figure is at 11 per cent.”
“Forty per cent is an ambitious target for us, we would need an extra 500 university enrolments annually for the next
15 years, but now with the support of the Federal Government, the university sector, and vocational education providers, we are giving ourselves the best possible chance.”
Andrew Roach said education was seen as a top priority for Council.
“The funds will be used to fast track a specialist feasibility study to ensure that future tertiary education courses are closely matched to regional employment demands.
“This funding is evidence that the Federal Government has identified the Port Macquarie–Hastings region as one that is serious about improving access to tertiary education.
“Developing TAFE pathways to university in key employment areas is a critical next step in Council’s Tertiary Education Plan.”
