University welcomes Budget benefits to Monash community and state economy
Monash University has welcomed budget announcements by the State Government of key major projects that will benefit the university, the local community and the Victorian economy.
The Victorian State Budget, delivered this week confirmed previous announcements of:
- $543 million for the Victorian Heart Hospital, which includes a $65 million contribution from Monash University
- $3 million for designing and planning a Caulfield to Rowville tram.
Monash President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AO said the Budget announcements reflected the importance of health, education and public transport for all Victorians.
The Victorian Heart Hospital is a partnership between the Victorian State Government, Monash University and Monash Health. It is a Victorian flagship health project, which will deliver world-leading cardiac services and boost the Victorian economy through innovation, education and research.
Professor Gardner said the development of the Victorian Heart Hospital on Clayton campus would be transformative for the research and treatment of heart disease.
“Monash hosts world class clinical education, research and infrastructure, and as the epicentre of Melbourne’s rapidly growing south east corridor, offers unique advantages through its proximity to the CSIRO and other important organisations in Victoria’s biomedical innovation and research network,” Professor Gardner said.
“These strengths are further amplified by our multidisciplinary partnerships with the Alfred Hospital and Monash Health – including its key tertiary hospital, the Monash Medical Centre – our global footprint, and our deep engagement with diverse industries.”
The commitment to undertake planning and design of the new tram line from Caulfield to Rowville is an important first step in delivering significantly enhanced travel options for the thousands of students, staff, industry partners and visitors who travel to Monash each day.
It would not only support the state’s largest education provider, but the surrounding innovation cluster which is the largest jobs hub outside of the CBD and provides significant employment and economic benefits to the entire state.
Professor Gardner said the State Government’s recent upgrade of Huntingdale station, combined with Monash’s complete redesign of its bus interchange on the Clayton campus, had already made it easier, quicker and safer to access the Clayton campus via public transport.
“The Monash Clayton campus can attract more than 53,000 people on any given day, the equivalent population of major regional city. Fast, efficient and effective public transport links will reduce road congestion and deliver benefits to the wider precinct.”