Charles Darwin University has been allocated $5 million from the Australian Government to fund construction of new campus facilities.
In a letter received from Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop, the University has been advised that $5 million has been allocated for stage one of a sport and recreation precinct to be built at the Casuarina Campus.
The funding will be directed towards the establishment of a precinct that will provide sport and recreation amenities for students and the Darwin region more broadly. The first stage will include an expansion of the University Gym facilities. The University will work with Darwin City Council to also include aquatic facilities in the first stage of the development.
The funding has been made available under the Voluntary Student Unionism Transition Fund which was set up to support Australian universities through the introduction of voluntary student unionism.
'There has been considerable concern in universities in Australia about the effects of Voluntary Student Unionism on the provision of student services. It is very pleasing to see these funds being made available as they will allow us to expand amenities on offer to CDU students and members of the community at large. This is a great boost to our infrastructure,' said Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett.
In addition $500,000 has also been allocated for construction of a medical centre at the Casuarina Campus and the upgrade of a child-care facility adjacent to the Alice Springs Campus. Funding for these facilities has been made available under the Australian Government’s Support for Small Business on Regional University Campuses Programme.