Federation University calls for federal government investment in bold new Gippsland plan
Federation University Australia is calling on the major federal political parties to back $38 million in priority investment in Gippsland-based projects to create an education-to-jobs pipeline for critical industries like renewable energy, infrastructure, education and health.
The push is part of a bold new plan to enhance regional communities across Victoria.
As part of Federation’s Election and Policy Priorities from 2025 to 2028, the University is calling for a $3.9m investment to boost Gippsland’s Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (APRETC), launched by the University in September 2024 to help create a research hub co-located with industry partners to support renewable energy and storage technologies.
The priorities aim to supercharge the Gippsland campus’s strong ties to industry and community, working together to plan for the region’s future workforce needs.
An $8m Latrobe Valley Energy Careers Transition Hub in Traralgon, also developed in partnership with leading energy companies, would offer university preparation courses to local workers who want to retrain and supporting school-leavers to train for jobs in the region’s new energy sector.
"Gippsland is at the forefront of Australia's renewable energy transition, yet the workforce challenges we face are undeniable with a predicted surge in demand for engineers, technicians, and project managers in renewable energy,” Federation University Australia’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley said.
“Regional universities must be part of the solution, providing the talent and training needed for a sustainable future.”
“It is also critical we help diversify the region’s economy and I am especially excited to talk to major parties about our plan to offer a high-growth partnership model to support diverse businesses across Gippsland while also supercharging start-up investment in the region.”
Breaking down the financial and logistical barriers to education is also a key focus for Federation, with the University calling for funding to support 200 rural students with high–speed satellite internet access and on-campus accommodation, along with $3 million to award students in need with scholarships to study diplomas as a primer to higher education.
“It is essential that we ensure students have the same access to quality education pathways as their metropolitan counterparts and encourage skills to remain within local communities as we know that when people study in regional areas, they often stay in those areas,” Professor Bentley said.
As a further step, Federation is proposing the expansion of allied health telehealth services currently offered by the University. Since August 2023, Gippsland physiotherapy students have conducted 1500 telehealth consultations as part of their work placement under the guidance of experienced local clinicians.
A longer term $5 million investment would help establish an applied research and teaching centre in Moe focussed on chronic disease prevention and community wellbeing.
"Regional universities like Federation are not just academic institutions, but interconnectors, bridging local graduates with the industries that will shape tomorrow’s economy,” Professor Bentley added.
“Our partnership approach will make sure what we do is truly aligned to the community’s needs and investment is only triggered when the Gippsland community’s support is present.”
“I would like to thank the Member for Gippsland, the Hon Darren Chester MP, along with One Gippsland for their longstanding and ongoing support for Federation University and encourage all parties to support this plan to make post-secondary education more accessible, more valuable, and more integrated with the needs of our local communities."
Federation University’s full Election and Policy Priorities 2025–2028 and Gippsland-specific proposals are available here.