As historic discussions take place on the future directions of the Border community, the leaders of the four tertiary education institutions based in Albury-Wodonga have highlighted the significant benefits tertiary education brings to the region.

The Institutions are about to engage in the next phase of investigating and planning closer ties between their organisations.

"The four Border institutions - Charles Sturt University, La Trobe University, Riverina Institute of TAFE and Wodonga Institute of TAFE - are committed to enhancing the provision of tertiary education in the region," said Head of CSU's Albury-Wodonga Campus, Professor David Battersby.

Director of Wodonga Institute of TAFE, Mr Adrian Marron said that the directors of the institutions have met regularly in recent years to nurture greater collaboration between our organisations.

"Events such as the annual Albury-Wodonga Open Day and growing links between our courses, staff and students are clear indications of this collaboration," Mr Marron said.

Tertiary education is a significant part of the Border region's economy.

"The four institutions generated over $55 million in revenue in 2000 and contributed over $40 million in salaries and wages to the region, while our students spent in excess of $11.5 million on accommodation, living expenses and learning materials," said Director of the Albury-Wodonga Campus of La Trobe University, Professor John Hill.

"We provided nearly 2 800 jobs last year, which was 15 per cent of the region's workforce, and spent more than $19 million on capital works over the past several years," Professor Hill said.

With a large population and industrial base, Albury-Wodonga is well placed to market courses to around Australia and overseas.

"With a local population of over 100 000, growing at 2.5 per cent each year, and being located between major cities along the eastern seaboard that comprise 75 per cent of the nation's people, the region is centrally placed. We can offer our already successful 'niche' courses to a huge segment of the Australian market," said Ms Rosemary Campbell, Director of the Riverina Institute of TAFE.

"By working together, our institutions also provide students with the opportunity to move easily between TAFE and university - a hugely attractive proposition," Ms Campbell said.

The institutions offer a wide selection of courses for various careers: from hospitality and hotel management, information technology and environmental management to health professions, community services and education, as well as contemporary music, technical and trade training and business courses.

Tertiary education also provides important sources for community development. "Collaborative community projects, public forums, art exhibitions and public lectures all help nurture the 'soul' of the twin cities," Professor Battersby said.

The institutions are now considering future developments and further opportunities for collaboration in the Border area.