Deputy Prime Minister meets with UNE about Tamworth campus

The news comes as Tamworth mayor Col Murray says a lack of federal funding could be a “deal breaker” for the city’s long-awaited campus.

The University of New England (UNE) is seeking funding from multiple levels of government for a 500-person campus in the city’s CBD.

Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader Michael McCormack said he was well aware of the city’s push for a university, which has been led by the business community and council.

“I have met with the University of New England in relation to this project,” Mr McCormack told The Leader.

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“[New England MP] Barnaby Joyce is a strong advocate for projects such as these, which are at the heart of growing communities across the New England.”

Mr Joyce declined an interview with The Leader about the potential university earlier this week. 

However, in a statement Mr Joyce said he was pursuing multiple options for federal funding.

“I’ve had further conversations with [Education Minister] Dan Tehan this morning regarding funding support for a Tamworth university campus,” he said.

“We were trying through the Building Better Regions Fund but it appears they may not be eligible.

“However we are still discussing other avenues for funding support, such as through the Capital Grants process.”

Cr Murray said it was “really essential” for the federal government to come to the party.

“In fact, I would suggest that it’s almost a deal breaker if the federal government doesn’t contribute,” Cr Murray said.

“We’re working very closely with the local member now to ensure that funding is forthcoming.”

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has been working hard behind the scenes, lobbying the state government for a funding commitment.

On Friday, he met with representatives from both UNE and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

UNE is hoping to hear back from the state government about a grant application before it goes in to caretaker mode at the end of the month, as the March 23 election grows closer.

A community meeting about the campaign will be held on February 13, at West Leagues Club in the Ken Chillingworth room from 6pm.

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