Media releases

Federation University Australia’s plan to grow its presence in Ararat is highlighted in its new Campus Vision 2022 – 2025.

Launched today by Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley, the Campus Vision sets out a clear way forward for Victoria’s premier regional university to build a strong and sustainable future across all the regions it serves.

Federation University’s growth in Ararat is centered around the Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct currently under construction at its formerly dormant campus on Laby Street.

A partnership between Federation, Ararat Rural City Council and local industry, the campus is being transformed into a research hub that will focus initially on agribusiness, with the potential to expand into advanced manufacturing.

The Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct will feature high-speed internet to connect the campus with virtual reality technology and artificial intelligence technology at a revitalised Ballarat SMB Campus, also detailed in the university’s Campus Vision.

The precinct will host seven locally based research positions focussed on producing applied research outcomes that will transform the region’s agricultural sector from price takers to price makers.

Once established, the precinct is expected to boost direct value-added output and supply chain effects by around $80 million per annum, based on current local agricultural production.

Ararat Rural City Council has already launched the Ararat Community Hub and Digital Co-working Space within the precinct, which supports small business start-ups with access to the latest technology and equipment.

Federation University expects to complete construction of the precinct around mid-2022.

Federation will be seeking community feedback on the Campus Vision through community consultation sessions in early 2022. Find out more at: federation.edu.au/strategy/delivery-year-1/campus-vision.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley

“We’re focussed on strengthening out connection to local industry in the Ararat region to support local jobs and economic growth – our Campus Vision supports this.”

“The Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct is a research, business and industry engagement precinct that will help drive economic growth in the region. We are excited to be partnering with Ararat Rural City Council to deliver this.”

Quotes attributable to Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison

“By working together, we can reactivate the Laby Street Campus in a way that helps to grow a strong and resilient economy in our region.”

“We’re already seeing activity return to the site with the creation of the Ararat Community Hub and Digital Co-working Space that is supporting small business start-ups with access to the latest technology and equipment.”