VASSE is poised to become the education hub of the Capes region.
The Mail understands that Busselton’s proposed new TAFE campus has been recommended to be built at Vasse.
It could also be the facility for universities looking to establish courses in the region.
At least two universities, one in WA and the other interstate, have expressed interest in having a facility in the Capes region.
There is already a high school and primary school near the site proposed for the new TAFE.
Capes Region Higher Education Taskforce members have met with the first universities to respond to an expression of interest sent across the country in November.
Some members of the taskforce, its chairperson, Forrest MHR Nola Marino, Busselton deputy mayor Tom Tuffin, City of Busselton’s Jon Berry and Busselton Chamber of Commerce CEO Ray McMillan, held meetings with them in Perth.
“We met representatives from the University of Notre Dame and also from the University of Canberra,” Mrs Marino said.
“It was very encouraging to already be having face-to-face meetings with people who want to learn more about the Capes region and the potential for tertiary education opportunities.
“It is still very much early days in those discussions and for the overall project itself. The taskforce continues to work with stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy for tertiary education opportunities in Busselton.
“With continuous population growth the taskforce believes it needs to act now to deliver the best future education outcomes.
“There are still many ideas being explored by the taskforce and other local stakeholders, including linking university education with an expanded South West Institute of Technology.
“A new university presence in Busselton could also take advantage of online learning models which is an increasingly popular method of delivering courses,” Mrs Marino said.
Cr Tuffin said that while there had been no definite planning with respect to courses to be offered by a university, this region had many unique characteristics that lent themselves to courses that would attract viable numbers of students.
“For example, the underwater observatory and the artificial reef point towards marine studies, and our large wine and tourism industries suggest courses in these areas would probably be worth including if there is space.
“Also, student accommodation is always an issue, but with FIFO-connected courses this will not be as large a problem and given that most universities go into recess over the summer months when accommodation here is at a premium, and operate over winter months when many of our accommodation houses are vacant, there should be compatibility there as well.
“The benefit of having a university in the region will be immense not only from an economic point of view but also socially and civically.”
