THE University of Wollongong is considering expanding in Sutherland Shire.
It is understood the Toyota site at Caringbah, which will be vacated by the car company by 2018, has been discussed with Sutherland Shire Council as a possible location for a major campus.
Mayor Kent Johns told a business breakfast last week the council was looking at land availability to encourage the University of Wollongong or the University of Western Sydney to set up a major campus in the shire.
‘‘They both want to be in the shire,’’ he said.
A spokesman for the University of Wollongong (UOW) confirmed talks had taken place, but there were no firm plans.
He said the university had ‘‘long been the higher education institution of choice for families in the Sutherland Shire’’.
He said the shire was the second largest local government area represented in its student body after Wollongong City.
‘‘The UOW has been examining current demographic changes and future projections as part of planning for the university’s future,’’ he said.
‘‘The UOW is happy to work with Sutherland Shire Council to explore future opportunities. ‘‘Although a range of broad concepts have been discussed, there are no firm plans at this stage.’’
The university already has a campus at Loftus offering a range of business and nursing courses.
Growth needed
Sutherland Shire schools were ‘‘at capacity’’ Mayor Kent Johns told the business function.
‘‘We need to look at both primary and high school education to cater for growth,’’ he said.
Cr Johns told the Leader the council had held discussions with Catholic and Anglican education authorities about potential expansion.
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