Concerns have been raised that major job losses at Charles Sturt University may slow the post-coronavirus economic recovery of Wagga.
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Last week, it was announced that cuts would be made across the university's national footprint to address an $80 million revenue deficit.
National Tertiary Education Union representative for Wagga, Dr Helen Masterman-Smith told The Daily Advertiser that may translate into population loss.
She said a survey of staff last week found up to 62 per cent would be looking to relocate if jobs disappeared.
"These are specialist roles that require relocation, so if a lot of people are forced to relocate, that will affect cities," Dr Masterman-Smith said.
"It reduces what can be spent in local regional areas."
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CEO of Committee 4 Wagga, Alan Johnston recognised job losses may lead to a difficult economic recovery in the community.
"All universities are in the same boat at the moment so it may not mean mass exodus but it may mean mass unemployment," Mr Johnston said.
So far the university has remained tight-lipped about where the cuts will be made.
In a statement vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said they would "review entire operations". Staff consultations will take place ahead of further announcements in June.
Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said the city would be eagerly awaiting that additional information.
"No doubt it will have a significant impact on Wagga, being that this is their largest campus," he said.
"There's no suggestion that they will close this campus, but it may not be the same campus again."
Although accelerated by the global pandemic, Professor Vann said the situation at the university pre-date the outbreak.
"Prior to COVID-19, in line with our university strategy, we were undertaking course reviews in a number of areas to determine where we can provide the most value to our regions and meet market demand," Professor Vann said.
"While we are not as reliant on international students as some other universities, they have a significant impact on our revenue decline and no university has escaped this as a result of COVID-19."
The independent state member for Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr expressed his desire for the Wagga campus to be inoculated against the worst of the cuts.
"I have to say I think Charles Sturt might be in a better position than many of the bigger universities because I don't think they're as exposed in terms of debt and in terms of the international student market," he said.
"What I'm hoping is that they'll minimise the job losses [and] that they will continue to work with staff."