Victoria’s South West will benefit from a new agreement between Deakin University and Glenelg Shire Council focusing on increasing local participation in tertiary education and helping unlock the economic potential of the region.
Deakin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin said the agreement provided a framework for greater collaboration to deliver real benefits for the local community, economy and environment.
“Glenelg Shire Council has provided great support for Deakin researchers over the years on projects investigating the Bonney Coast upwelling system and the impacts of historical fishing and future climate change on the short-finned eel.
“The MoU…allows us to make real progress on not just research projects like these, but also our shared goals for the community as reflected in Deakin’s new 10 year Strategic Plan and Council’s draft 2040 plan.
“Together, we will focus on building new pathways that provide better access to tertiary education for local residents and a stronger and more diverse local economy that focuses on the area’s strengths such as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy and tourism.
“South West Victoria is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and both Deakin and Council are committed to exploring new initiatives that will help protect the environment and Indigenous heritage of the area, including the UNESCO world heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape.”
Mayor Rank said the MoU was an important step for safeguarding the future of regional education opportunities.
“By strengthening our relationship with Deakin, we can help to provide increased access to jobs, skills and education pathways, particularly for young people.”
Deakin’s Chief Executive Officer of South-West Victoria, Grant Sutherland said, “New industry and government partners now call Warrnambool campus home and research activity continues to grow – most notably the Hycel project is up and running.
“We’ve added new courses such as the Food and Agribusiness major and there has been an increase in the level of interest in studying at the campus.
“We look forward to continuing to play a central role in the future of not just Warrnambool, but the entire South West Region; our increased collaboration with Glenelg Shire Council is another important step forward.”
