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Memorandum of Understanding over TAFE relocation to central Sale

By East Gippsland Shire Council - 7th December 2004 - Back to News

East Gippsland Institute of TAFE plans for a $25 million campus in the heart of Sale have reached a notable milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) highlighting the commitment of all three participating parties to this major project.

The document has been signed by EG TAFE, Wellington Shire Council and Sale Netball Association, with the Shire giving formal endorsement at its 7 December Council Meeting.

By agreeing to the MoU, all three parties are highlighting their commitment to the development of a consolidated campus in Sale, with EG TAFE keen to make the move from its present outdated Fulham campus to a new purpose-built complex on the former army drill hall site in Punt Lane. Targeted at students from Wellington and further afield, this has the potential to generate enormous benefits for the shire, both economically and socially.

The MoU also includes agreement that Sale Netball Association, which is presently based on part of the Punt Lane site, must have appropriate facilities at an alternative location so that it can continue to provide services to its members and other users. The aim here is for a new netball and multi-purpose facility.

EG TAFE is finalising its concept proposal for the Sale site, which includes relocation of the netball facilities. It is about to prepare a funding submission for the new campus, which will be lodged with the State Government by the end of summer 2005.

Wellington Shire Council for its part will continue to lobby the Government whenever appropriate in support of the TAFE plans and Sale Netball Association and will pursue appropriate avenues for grant funding. It has also entered into a conditional contract to purchase a section of vacant land on the corner of Cobains Road and Gibsons Road in Sale for the relocation of the netball association.

Welcoming the MoU, Wellington’s Chief Executive Lyndon Webb said: "This agreement is great news and highlights the commitment of all involved to the relocation of the EG TAFE campus to central Sale, and recognises the importance of this to the shire as a whole.

"Key amongst our priorities is to ensure that Sale Netball Association has a suitable new home and we appreciate their cooperation and the constructive ongoing discussions regarding this issue.

"We also greatly appreciate the involvement and support provided by our local Member for Gippsland Province, the Hon. Philip Davis, in helping to progress the TAFE project and the MoU, and look forward to continuing this productive relationship as the initiative advances."

"This is a concrete step forward on a long but significant journey, "said East Gippsland Institute of TAFE CEO, Angela Hutson. "We acknowledge the commitment of all parties to the shared vision."

Said Joan Foat, President of Sale Netball Association: "We are looking forward to the new and improved netball facilities this project will bring to the local sporting community, along with the new TAFE campus.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com