Community leaders, including the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, have had informal discussions into  the possible consolidation of the university’s campus from Newnham to Inveresk.

The University of Tasmania has already forecast a $30 million loss should the Higher Education and  research Reform Amendment Bill pass in its current form, with reduced government funding under a fee-deregulated system and hikes on student loan interest.

When pressed last week about its future, University of Tasmania vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen could not guarantee that the Northern campus would not close. 

‘‘We can’t guarantee anything,  at any time,’’ he said. 

Professor Rathjen did, however, express continued commitment to its Inveresk facility, in line with a plan for a $83 million health and sports development renamed Tamar Health.

‘‘We are committed to Launceston and we are seeking  to grow here, and we are committed to grow on this site, where we think, by placing more staff and more students, we can contribute to the economic and social life of Launceston as a city,’’ Professor Rathjen said.

Consultant Rhys Edwards, who is also a member of the University Council appointed by the former Education Minister, is currently renewing a business model for Tamar Health, to mount a case for Commonwealth funding.

Launceston Chamber of Commerce chief executive Maree Tetlow said stakeholders had discussed the possible future location of the university y after a formal briefing by the university about Tamar Health.

‘‘We all appreciate that the Northern campus is going to need to specialise to ensure its sustainability,’’ she said.

‘‘Depending on the business case we would overall support a move for the Northern campus  to be moved  closer into the city, be that Inveresk or other locations around the city.’’

Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said universities located close or within cities created a vibrant social hub.

He said any plan to move the university from Newnham would need funding, vision and political will.