THE Wollongong Conservatorium of Music receives three times less funding from the State Government than what the Newcastle Conservatorium.

The NSW Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli released figures in response to questions raised by State MP for Keira Ryan Park and local community members.

Mr Park said he was shocked with the difference between the levels of funding for the two conservatoriums and said he intended to continue to lobby the NSW Government in the lead up to the Budget to increase the funding level for the Wollongong Conservatorium.

Last year Wollongong received around $340,000 annually in comparison to Newcastle’s $985,000.

“The Conservatorium is a highly respected organisation within the region and has produced many fine students whom have gone on to enjoy successful careers both nationally and internationally,” Mr Park said.

Mr Park said he had been contacted by local residents who were seeking advice on how and to what level the two Conservatoriums were funded but he and locals were dismayed at the large gap between them.

“To have such a discrepancy between Wollongong and Newcastle is simply unfair and I am urging the Government to increase its support for the Wollongong Conservatorium,” Mr Park said.

“I will certainly be making my feelings known when NSW Parliament resumes next week that this facility needs an urgent boost in funding to ensure it continues to provide the wonderful opportunities to local students,” he said.