September 13, 2018

New university campus to take flight at Western Sydney Aerotropolis

UOW joins forces with other universities to deliver world-class education, research

Plans for a ‘multiversity’ higher education campus in the heart of the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis have been unveiled today by NSW Premier, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian.

In an Australian first, the NUW Alliance (the University of Newcastle, UNSW Sydney and the University of Wollongong) and Western Sydney University will join forces to deliver a world-class higher education and research presence in Western Sydney.

The Multiversity will specialise in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and be part of the Aerotropolis precinct at Badgerys Creek. By leveraging the expertise of the four institutions, students, employees and the wider community will have unparalleled access to innovative teaching and research.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin Hall (UoN); President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs (UNSW); Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Judy Raper (UOW); and Vice-Chancellor and President Barney Glover (WSU), have signed a Statement of Intent with the NSW Government to deliver the new higher education institution.

An artist's impression, provided by NSW Government

In a statement, the Vice-Chancellors collectively highlighted the strengths of the multiversity proposition:

“Higher education has traditionally been an intensely competitive sector. With the new Multiversity, our universities are demonstrating how collaborative university partnerships can transform the region and produce the graduates, research and industry links needed to make the Aerotropolis a success.”

The four universities will create one campus with strong links to local industry, tailored vocational education and training, and STEM-focused schooling. This will provide the foundation for the realisation of Government’s knowledge job creation commitments.

“This is an unrivalled opportunity to place our world-class universities at the heart of what is surely the biggest and boldest project Australia has seen, or will see, for a very long time. Our universities bring a connected network of 180,000 students, researchers and academics to the Aerotropolis, with an established presence across every major Western Sydney centre,” continued the Vice-Chancellors’ statement.

With a 24-hour international airport at its core, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will be a thriving hub for education and leading industries including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence and agribusiness, generating a jobs boost for the area.