This contribution comprised $544 million in wages and $301.3 million in gross operating surplus, which was equivalent to approximately 1 per cent of the region’s gross regional product (GRP).
These findings were included in a Deloitte Access Economics 2012 report, Economic Contribution of the University of Western Sydney
The economic contribution comprised direct contributions to the local community of $401 million and $228 million from the activity of the university and its students respectively.
A further $215 million was a flow-on contribution from the university and students’ expenditure on goods and services produced in other parts of the economy.
“As part of its economic contribution, UWS supported employment and skill development in the region,” the report said.
There was approximately 3900 staff at UWS, of which around half were employed as academics – 49 per cent of academics and 80 per cent of professional staff resided in the region.
More broadly, in 2010, the university and students generated 8805 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.
“Raising the proportion of 25-34 year olds who have a bachelor degree to meet the Bradley Review target will generate up to $592 million per year in additional income to residents in Greater Western Sydney (GWS), a contribution that will increase over time with increased workforce participation and population growth.”
Looking to the future the report said the combination of rapid population growth, socioeconomic and cultural diversity, social and economic transition and below-average participation in higher education was a recipe for rapid growth in demand for higher education places in GWS and at UWS.
