Local media coverage: Monash growth plans on track
Monash pro vice-chancellor David Copolov.
Monash growth plans on track, Frankston Leader, Page 8, Chris Tatman,
THE Baxter rail line project will provide a major boost for Monash University’s Peninsula campus expansion plans, says vice-chancellor Professor David Copolov.
The federal Coalition has pledged $225 million to electrify and duplicate the line to Baxter and State Liberal leader Matthew Guy has vowed to match that figure if the Coalition wins the election. The state Labor Party has backed a business case, but not pledged any money for the project.
Prof Copolov said a new station — slated for near the Frankston campus as part of the rail project — was vital as student numbers increased at the Frankston campus. “We have 4000 students at the campus — an increase of 18 per cent on the previous year (and) we’ve had an increase in international student numbers from 300 to 1000,” he said.
He said the university was committed to making the Frankston campus a leading centre of allied healthcare, education and research. Prof Copolov said this was backed by a $50 million upgrade of the campus including a new $30 million student residence currently being built. The training of paramedics and nurses was particularly important, he said. “Nursing graduates from Monash have employment prospects in the high 90 per cent.”
Prof Copolov said other key projects included:
- a new school of primary and allied health care at the Frankston campus; and
- kicking in $7 million to the Frankston Hospital academic centre — a hub for researchers, clinicians and students.
“Health and education is going to be an increasing focus of activity in the Frankston and peninsula area,” Prof Copolov said.
The growth of the campus would in turn be a catalyst for growth in the region, he said. “Monash is committed to this campus and wants to see it grow. We think there’s huge scope for development here.”
More media coverage:
Morning Peninsula leader, Page 5 Chris Tatman 14 August 2018, Monash growth plans on track
Rail extension- Letters to the editor:
Frankston Times, Letter to the editor: Electrify Mornington, Brian Mitchelson 6_August_2018
Outer suburban rail linkages:
Heraldsun, Underground train plan for Melbourne’s suburbs, 28 August 2018
Planning investigations into a proposed 30-year program of works to link Victoria outer suburban rail network to be started after State election
