Charles Sturt University’s contribution to the regions surrounding its four main campuses has been estimated to be $264 million in gross regional product when flow-on effects are taken into account.

According to a report prepared by the Western Research Institute, Economic Impact of Charles Sturt University, this contribution to gross regional product is CSU expenditure and non-local and international student expenditure for 2003. 

Further, the report states that including multiplier effects, the University adds $164 million in household income to the Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga regions and over 3,100 full-time equivalent jobs when flow on effects are taken into account. 

“This report positions CSU as one of the major economic contributors to the regional communities in which it operates,” CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter said.

“The findings demonstrate that the University is more than just a provider of quality education and relevant research opportunities, but contributes to the development and growth of its regions.” 

Commissioned by CSU, the report also found that the University and international and non-local students generate the equivalent of 12 per cent of Bathurst’s employment in the Central West NSW statistical division, the equivalent of 9 per cent of Wagga Wagga’s employment in the Murrumbidgee statistical division, and the equivalent of 3 per cent of Albury’s employment in the Murray and Owens-Murray statistical divisions.

“Apart from CSU’s significant economic contribution to the regions surrounding its main campuses, our ability to conduct regionally relevant research, educate skilled, industry ready graduates and the importance of contributing to the social and cultural life of these areas should not be overlooked,” Professor Goulter said. 

“I believe through the work being done to strengthen the University’s academic programs in areas of critical skill shortage for regional Australia such as pharmacy and veterinary science, CSU has the potential to further impact the economies of the regions in which it exists by attracting more non-local students.”