Dubbo businesses and a number of local subcontractors are set to benefit from the announcement that Dubbo based company Rawson Constructions Pty Limited, has won the tender to build stage one of Charles Sturt University's new Dubbo Campus.

Utilising the latest in telecommunication and online technology, the $4million stage one interactive learning centre will be the hub of the multi-stage campus development. It will feature a variety of learning areas, such as rooms for interactive video sessions, computer and Internet access, private study areas, staff accommodation and a student recreation area.

Head of the Dubbo Campus Dr Peter Hodgson said today's announcement signifies the beginning of an exciting new era for education in the Dubbo region and a model for higher education in the future.

"The Dubbo Campus will truly represent a university for the new millennium," he said. "It has been designed to take advantage of the latest communication technology, providing a state-of-the-art facility that will serve both students who choose to study on campus and others who will learn through innovative distance education methods."

Manager of Rawson Constructions Mr Bob Chapman said the company was very excited about the opportunity to work on such an innovative design.

"The design is very unique and will provide Rawson Constructions with the opportunity to display their building expertise," he said.

Rawson Constructions, a part of the Dubbo based Rawson Group, has been involved in commercial construction throughout regional NSW and in Sydney.

"Numerous local projects over the last 16 years have seen the company progress to the construction of the CSU Dubbo Campus, which will be a great project that the company and the local community can be proud of," Mr Chapman said.

"This is a new and exciting project that will allow us to employ a number of local contractors. Their knowledge coupled with some specialist contractors will provide Rawson Constructions with the necessary resources to complete the project.

"This project is a great bonus for the Dubbo region and we are very keen to get underway with construction in the upcoming weeks."

Construction of the new campus comes as enrolment figures for courses in Dubbo hit an all time high. The University expanded its courses in Dubbo this year offering a full time degree in nursing for the first time and making a commitment to provide a second year of the teaching degree in 2001. Demand for these courses was particularly high with strong demand also in business, wildlife management, social welfare and community and public health.