Construction of a permanent campus of Charles Sturt University in Dubbo in western NSW, will become a reality in the New Year with the announcement this week of a $3 million capital development grant from the Federal Government.

The new funding, announced today by Member for Parkes Tony Lawler, supplements the $1 million already allocated by the Government for 1999 and a further $1 million commitment from the University, for the project.

"This project is an exciting development for Dubbo and the region," Mr Lawler said.

The new campus to be built on the Yarrandale Road site, will be a state-of-the-art complex where technology will be a main feature. The plan includes an Interactive Learning Centre that will feature large student work areas complete with computers and Internet and interactive video access.

The microwave link already established at the existing Dubbo Campus will be extended to the new site, providing a high quality telecommunications link between CSU's other campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga and into Sydney.

Staff accommodation, reception, administration and student recreation areas are also to be included in the development.

CSU was awarded the Federal Government funding for the Dubbo Campus in competition with universities across Australia. The funding has been allocated from the Capital Development Pool (CDP) program for universities.

Head of the Dubbo Campus, Dr Peter Hodgson said the funding boost is reward for the University's continuing commitment to providing people of the Dubbo region with access to a first class higher education facility.

"CSU has committed a significant amount of its own resources to this project with great support from members of the Dubbo Advisory Council and the community.

"1999 will be the beginning of an exciting era for the University in Dubbo not only with the construction of the Campus but in the development of new courses from the Faculties of Health Studies and Education."