University of New England hopes Tamworth campus funding imminent

Almost 90 people attended Wednesday night's community meeting, with councillors, principals, business owners and aspiring politicians all among the mix.

It was made clear the only hurdle remaining was funding from the federal government - UNE, council and the NSW government all confirming they were ready to make a commitment.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said he was in "almost daily" communication with Deputy Prime Minister Micheal McCormack and New England MP Barnaby Joyce about the funding.

"The federal government is the last link," he said.

"The state government will provide the vast majority of the funding. We are just waiting on one more piece of the jigsaw puzzle."

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Deputy vice chancellor Todd Walker said after 12 months of discussions with all levels of government, a decision was around the corner.

"Our understanding is that in regards to our application to the state government and federal government, a decision is imminent," he said.

"We're expecting to hear something in the not too distance future. Nights like tonight build on the enthusiasm - and I guess the pressure on both governments."

Mr Walker revealed the university was looking at bringing disciplines from each of its three faculties, and wants input from the community about course design.

"We want to know what the needs of the community are, and we want to align the courses with employment needs," Mr Walker said.

Meeting organiser Mitch Hanlon said he left feeling "very optimistic".

"I'm over the moon with how it went, and chuffed we had a full house," he said.

"The mood was optimistic and upbeat, there was no animosity. The 90-odd people here today are in one step, with the goal of getting a campus in Tamworth.

"I'm looking for this group to help put the pressure on to get that last bit of funding."

Some questioned the CBD location of campus, with council donating the old velodrome on Peel Street, and whether it would hamper future expansion.

However, Mr Walker said the site was "big enough for stage one", while Mr Hanlon pointed out there were opportunities to expand with the purchase of commercial properties.

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