Two universities are planning to establish a centre in Katoomba under a major proposal unveiled by Blue Mountains City Council.
Monash University and Western Sydney University are currently finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with council after it purchased the old Katoomba Golf Clubhouse site for about $3.3 million.
The MoU sets out a commitment to establish a leadership centre of international significance in the field of planetary health at the clubhouse site.
Monash University's Sustainable Development Institute director, Professor Tony Capon, described the plan as "a visionary way to mark the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO world heritage listing of the Greater Blue Mountains Area next month".
"We are very much looking forward to pressing forward with our shared vision for planetary health in the Blue Mountains," he said.
Councillors endorsed the purchase of the clubhouse site that sits alongside the former Katoomba golf course - already owned by council - at their September 29 meeting. The purchase makes the site council's largest operational land holding, at 29.66 hectares.
"The site is a strategic investment opportunity with significant potential benefits for the city in the short, medium and long term," said Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill.
"Council will explore, with the community, the best strategic options for future uses of the precinct through the upcoming master plan process for Katoomba.
"What's exciting is that this opportunity gives us our first real chance to work with universities to establish a leadership centre in the Blue Mountains that would provide jobs, as well as income that comes from sources other than rates."
Establishing a planetary health leadership centre with universities was part of a local strategic planning statement endorsed by council this March.
Discussions with the universities have canvassed linking the centre with a hub in Katoomba's town centre.
A UNESCO Chair in Planetary Health, funded by an external donor, could also be attached to the learning centre.
Professor Capon said the emerging field of planetary health "acknowledges that human health entirely depends on the health of natural systems. The COVID-19 pandemic, and last year's unprecedented bushfire season, are signs that our current lifestyles are out of balance with nature".
"In the interest of the wellbeing of all people, we should re-think the way we feed, move, house, clothe and power the world," he said. "The Planetary Health Leadership Centre will advance practical solutions to everyday challenges, and strive for planetary conscious in the way we live."
Blue Mountains City Council CEO Dr Rosemary Dillon said the former clubhouse site has "significant potential to support appropriate development of this precinct that enables sustainable economic and social development, as well as job creation".
"By purchasing the clubhouse site, it remains in council's ownership and leverages opportunities for the future."
She said "it is a fitting gift to the city - and the world - that we look to establish such a significant centre" as the Blue Mountains prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its world heritage listing.
The purchase has been funded by council's property investment fund and internal sources to avoid the long-term cost of borrowing.
While the establishment of any university-linked centre is likely years away, council believes income generated from the site in the short term will help cover the costs associated with the facility and maintenance of the former golf course site.
