COUNCIL believes there is strength in numbers, and that's the latest strategy to see Tamworth secure a university campus in the city.
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Tamworth Regional Council voted to create a formal working group with two councillors, the University of New England vice chancellor and members of the existing citizen-led group to give them greater pull with the state and federal governments.
At the head of the citizen-group is Mitchel Hanlon, who said stakeholders needed to be in "lock-step" on the proposed university campus.
"The whole community is behind it," he said.
"I think we have the power to lobby already, but it allows [mayor] Col Murray and other representatives to join us in discussions with the University of New England."
The working group will include councillors Glenn Inglis and Juanita Wilson, mayor Col Murray and Tamworth Business Chamber president Jye Segboer, along with members of the citizen-led group. An invitation will also be extended to the university's vice chancellor.
A $500,000 business case is still being prepared for the university and it's still not completely clear what shape that might take.
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There have been discussions about a "hub" model or a permanent campus at the old velodrome site donated by council but nothing is set in stone.
Regardless, Cr Juanita Wilson said the campus would be critical to Tamworth's future.
"We have a low population in terms of secondary tertiary education, that hasn't impeded us in the past but going forward in a changing world we need to ensure our population is well up there in tertiary education," she said.
The University of New England is the front-runner for the campus, this is despite a number of competing universities visiting Tamworth this week for a University Roadshow to visit high school students.
UNE vice-chancellor Bridget Heywood said the institution is committed to pursuing its model of developing regional educational hubs in collaboration with business and civic leaders in Tamworth.
"In addition to our plans for the Tamworth campus expansion we are also developing a Digital Hospital concept for regional and rural populations to be based in Tamworth," she said.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
