As reported recently in the Central Coast Express plans to make Ourimbah a University town are now believed to be back on the agenda. Wyong’s mayor, Mr Greg Best, apparently is not keen on the idea however is preparing to back moves for a state Government major planning study of Ourimbah.
Those backing the idea of a University town for Ourimbah have outlined special student accommodation, cafes and other entertainment facilities and even a Hotel and Conference Centre. Councillor Best has indicated he is aware of such initiatives but is not convinced that the character of the Ourimbah village should be changed significantly.
However he did support the idea of the study provided it was to be funded by the State Government. Councillor Best is already campaigning for additional Federal Government funding for additional places at the Central Coast Campus of the Newcastle University and believes it would a timely thing to conduct a town study as well. Wyong Council is also seeking support for increased Federal Government for the University Campus so as to create at least an extra 300 university places.
Central Coast University Campus currently has 2,500 students enrolled of which only 1,500 are full time. There are currently 3,800 TAFE students of whom only 1,400 are full time.