$14 million for Academic and Research Precinct

Friday, 3 February 2012

Harry Jenkins MP, Federal Member for Scullin has today welcomed the announcement that the Federal Government will provide $14 million towards the construction of the new $35.5 million Northern Health Teaching, Training and Research Precinct, at the Northern Hospital, Epping.

A partnership between Northern Health, The University of Melbourne and La Trobe University, the precinct will provide up to 665 undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate student placements in the areas of medicine, nursing and a range of allied health disciplines.

"I welcome the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to this vital project for Melbourne’s North," Mr Jenkins said.

"After the consortia resubmitted a revised plan for the project due to a shortfall in funding with its original application, the Federal Government’s commitment of $14 million will ensure this project becomes a reality.

The Teaching, Training and Research Precinct will be built on land next to the Northern Hospital on Cooper Street in Epping with works due to commence in July 2012. The building will allow for future expansion as demand increases.

The University of Melbourne and La Trobe University will each contribute $7.2 million while Northern Health will contribute $3 million.

"The new Academic and Research Precinct will mean that future health professionals are trained right here in Epping," Mr Jenkins said.

"I congratulate Northern Health and the two Universities for their vision and continued commitment to this project. I thank my northern Labor colleagues Rob Mitchell, Martin Ferguson, Maria Vamvakinou and Kelvin Thomson for their support in ensuring this project remained a top priority for the Government.

The Academic and Research Precinct will work with acute care and community based health services to influence the quality, efficiency and health outcomes of the health care system in outer metropolitan Melbourne

It is expected that the Teaching, Training and Research Precinct will be completed in the first half of 2014 and accommodate student intakes from both universities at that time. The precinct will consist of student tutorial rooms, simulation and research laboratories.

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