The MOU signed by Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun and Professor Clare Annesley will result in the two organisations partnering in various projects and exchanging information.
The agreement will further cement Liverpool’s reputation as a university City.
The signing came after summit of education and business leaders to discuss Liverpool’s evolution into an education hub.
Organised by the Committee for Liverpool, headed by Liverpool City Council and the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, the event brought together stakeholders from various sectors including business, academia, government, and non-government organisations.
Distinguished academics from Western Sydney University, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Wollongong shared their forward-looking vision for Liverpool's future.
They outlined plans to expand their presence in Liverpool's city centre, aiming to increase the current student population from 9,000 in 2024 to 50,000 by 2050.
Following the roundtable, a panel of local university students spoke about their aspirations for Liverpool, emphasising a desire for a sustainable, globally connected, socially responsible, cohesive, and safe city with a vibrant evening economy.
Mayor Mannoun highlighted Liverpool's trajectory towards becoming the capital of south-western Sydney, emphasising the pivotal role universities play in shaping the region’s future.
“Liverpool has emerged as the state’s logistics and transport hub alongside a vibrant health and innovation precinct. Our rapidly growing, young multicultural community is eager to continue their education and develop skills they can apply within our region,” he said.
Liverpool has witnessed a demographic shift towards a more educated and professional population where a young dynamic workforce is emerging, driven by an eagerness to contribute meaningfully to their community and secure their future in south-western Sydney.
This is reflected in statistics which show:
• Between 2011 and 2021, university attendance among Liverpool residents surged by 70%, from 6,616 to 11,253.
• In 2021, 20.1% of the Liverpool LGA’s population (36,588 people) held a bachelor's degree, compared to 15.7% (24,888) in 2016.
• Projections indicate a further increase, with an expected enrolment of 15,000 additional students in university and TAFE courses in the Liverpool by 2024.
• The percentage of individuals in the Liverpool LGA completing year 12 rose to 57.5% in 2021 from 52.1% in 2016.
