The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra City campus has moved another step closer, with new legislation introduced into the Assembly to help facilitate its establishment.
Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman said UNSW would establish a world-class research, education and innovation campus in Canberra that was expected to boost the city’s education offerings, attract up to 6,000 students and create around 2,000 jobs.
“UNSW Canberra is continuing with the development of its master plan for the precinct following extended consultation with the Canberra community between March and mid-May, which attracted more than 300 pieces of feedback,” Mr Gentleman said.
“This legislation will allow the long-term leasing of land to UNSW to go ahead and ensure we can continue to invest in this important project that will provide a much-needed long-term economic boost to Canberra,” he said.
Mr Gentleman said the legislation was an important step to ensure the long-term leasing of land to UNSW and the delivery of the new university campus would meet community expectations.
“This is an exciting project in the heart of Canberra that has the potential to play a major role in the renewal of the city centre and elevate Canberra’s reputation as the knowledge capital,” he said.
“The Planning and Development Amendment Bill 2020 will ensure the Territory’s investment in this important project, including the land, $25 million and the cost of site remediation, is protected.”
Mr Gentleman said the Bill would also ensure that UNSW Canberra enjoyed appropriate flexibility to operate the new campus and the community could be confident that the land would only be used for its intended purposes.
