State Government funding announced for student accommodation at Deakin University

The Victorian Minister for Higher Education and Skills, The Hon. Peter Hall MLC, today (Thursday 31 March) announced $10.275 million towards additional student accommodation at Deakin University's Warrnambool and Waurn Ponds campuses.

The Regional Infrastructure Development funding will support the construction of 311 additional beds at Deakin's Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus and 100 additional beds at its Warrnambool Campus. The total value of the projects is $51.5 million.

Deakin University's Vice President (Enterprise and Engagement) Mr Kean Selway thanked Minister Hall and the State Government for supporting the much needed expansion of the University's on-campus accommodation.

"This is indeed welcome news as student accommodation, at all of our campuses, is in short supply," Mr Selway said.

"Access to affordable accommodation has been highlighted as a major issue for students choosing to attend university, particularly those from rural and regional areas and from low socio-economic backgrounds.

"The issue is perhaps particularly acute at our regional campuses as we strive to meet both Federal and State Government targets of higher education participation by students from rural and regional areas.

"At Deakin, not only is on-campus accommodation in short supply, but the rental markets in Warrnambool and Geelong are increasingly tight. It is therefore more important than ever that we can provide more accommodation on our campuses."

The new on-campus student accommodation will consist of studio apartments with kitchenettes, ensuite bathrooms and study areas with access to central laundry facilities. It will include significant common areas and be in close proximity to the University's student support services.

The new apartments will bring the total number of beds available at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus to 766 and 340 at the Warrnambool Campus.