Independent research has found the proposed Murray Darling Medical School (MDMS) would be a $66 million dollar shot in the arm for the regional economies of Wagga Wagga, Orange and Bendigo.

The MDMS is a joint initiative of Charles Sturt University (CSU) and La Trobe University, to provide a solution to the shortage of doctors in rural and regional areas.

A study by the Western Research Institute has found the MDMS would generate more than 500 new jobs, $66.58 million in gross regional product and $39.57 million in household income every year when fully operational, as well as 231 new jobs during construction. 

CSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Vann said, "The Murray Darling Medical School is not just about addressing rural doctor shortages; it is about transforming our regional economies and building jobs.

"We already know that a rural medical school at Charles Sturt University will give more rural and Indigenous kids a fair chance to study medicine locally, and that it will deliver more doctors to rural practice than at any other time in our history.

"What this new research shows is that a new rural medical school at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga and Orange will bring new students and staff to our communities, new jobs, new spending and new opportunities."

General Manager of the Western Research Institute, Ms Wendy Mason said, "The statistics speak for themselves.  Establishing a rural medical school in Wagga Wagga and Orange will bring big economic and employment benefits to the surrounding communities."

The Western Research Institute research shows:

In Wagga Wagga the MDMS will generate 165 new full-time equivalent jobs, $22.52 million gross regional product and $13.3 million in household income every year. It will also deliver 101 new full-time jobs during construction.

In Orange the MDMS will create 170 new full-time equivalent jobs, $23.18 million in gross regional product and $13.79 million in household income every year in Orange when fully operational.  It will also deliver 77 new full-time jobs during construction.

Funding for the MDMS is being considered by the federal government. The 2016 Budget will be released on Tuesday 3 May.