The two major parties in the New South Wales election have committed their support to establishing a University city campus in the Newcastle CBD.

Today, Newcastle Liberal candidate, Tim Owen, and shadow Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli, pledged support of $25 million as an unconditional grant for the establishment of the city campus.

The Premier, Kristina Keneally, last week announced support of $10 million for the University’s city campus. This is in addition to the land in Honeysuckle that the NSW Labor Government pledged to the University in 2009.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, said the announcements reflected the pivotal role the University would play in the revitalisation of Newcastle.

“It is great for the University and the community of Newcastle to have the commitment of both major parties on the critical issue of the revitalisation of the city.

“These pledges indicate that the major parties recognise the urgent need for development in our city, and see a significant role for the University in their visions of turning our CBD around.

“The University also appreciates the strong commitment demonstrated by the Lord Mayor and the Newcastle City Council to this important project.”