Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Cliff Blake, will be in Dubbo on Monday to make a major announcement about plans for the Dubbo Campus when he addresses a meeting of the Dubbo Campus Advisory Committee.

Professor Blake will advise the meeting about the commencement of construction on the Yarrandale Road site and the laying of the foundation stone by the Governor of NSW the Hon. Gordon Samuels.

Stage one of the Dubbo Campus has an estimated cost of $5 million. Professor Blake said the University will seek support for funding for later stage developments.

“The University together with support from the Government is committed to the development of a state-of-the-art University Campus in Dubbo where technology will be a major focus of course delivery in a unique and interactive environment,” Professor Blake said.

“That CSU has been able to attract such high level Government support proves once again the willingness of this innovative university to take a leading edge role in higher education, when and where it is needed and in a way that will open up opportunities for more people to achieve a University education.”

The Campus plan includes an Interactive Learning Centre that will feature large student work areas complete with computers and Internet and interactive video access.

Dubbo Mayor Tony McGrane said that construction of the Dubbo Campus will herald a significant step forward for education in the region.

“When construction actually begins I think this will show people in Dubbo and the region that CSU have made a serious commitment to higher education in the region and that’s something we will all benefit from.”

Director of CSU’s University Properties and University architect, Marci Webster-Mannison, will deliver a presentation detailing the new campus plans at the meeting of the Advisory Committee for the Dubbo Campus on Monday 22 February.