Three Fleurieu councils are looking into applying for a south coast regional study hub to make tertiary courses more accessible to residents.

The councils are looking at pooling resources, along with Regional Development Australia (RDA), to mount a business case for federal funding for a Regional University Centre.

It would allow students to complete tertiary courses from any Australian university or college, delivered via distance education.

Study hubs offer video conferencing, computing facilities and high-speed internet access, as well as student administration and support, study spaces and assistance, break out areas and research and writing support. 

The federal government has already provided $24.2 million to establish 16 study hubs around Australia under its Regional University Centres program.

Three of these are in South Australia: in Murray Bridge, Nuriootpa and Port Augusta/Port Pirie. Kadina has been earmarked for another study hub.

They enable students in rural, regional and remote areas to complete higher education without having to leave their communities.

Yankalilla CEO Nigel Morris and Victor Harbor CEO Victoria McKirdy prepared a report to seek councils’ support for the proposal.

The councils and the RDA have been working with local schools, TAFE SA and tertiary education providers to demonstrate widespread support for a Fleurieu study hub.

The likely location would be Victor Harbor.

The report highlights an opportunity to take a lead in such study areas as regenerative agriculture, climate change adaptation, food technology, alternative energy and environmental science.

“The district could be a ‘test farm’ for R&D and the commercialisation of ideas in agribusiness and food technology.

“Opportunities for tertiary education that were raised during the initial consultations include marine science, environmental science, creative industries and international education.” 

The RDA has committed $10,000 towards developing the business case for the hub and has requested a similar contribution from each council.

At its July meeting the District Council of Yankalilla voted to contribute $5000.

The City of Victor Harbor has also committed to the project, including it in its 2030 community plan; Alexandrina Council has not yet decided.

Image by thelester from Pixabay