PROPONENTS behind the proposed move to relocate the University of Tasmania’s Northern headquarters from Newnham to Inveresk have defended their position under increasing public scrutiny.
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Supporters from the Launceston Concerned Citizens group, Tasmanian Ratepayers Association and members of the public held a rally against the Launceston City Council’s decision to give land to UTAS for a new central campus.
Two of the city’s 12 aldermen – Robin McKendrick and Ted Sands – attended the public meeting on Tuesday night, but UTAS representatives snubbed it.
Tasmanian Ratepayers Association president Lionel Morrell had said offering $4.5million for the land parcel to downsize from 50 to 17 hectares at Inveresk made no sense.
‘‘This is all for the dumbing down for the Northern campus, as the best of the institute is transferred and consolidated for the Hobart campus,’’ he said.
University Provost professor Mike Calford said significant parts of the current campus were reserves, playing fields, parking lots and open space.
‘‘Much of this space is significantly underutilised through the year,’’ he said.
‘‘We are confident that the amount of space required will not only adequately house current staff and students, but will allow for an increase in both staff and students into the future as we look to expand.’’
Mayor Albert van Zetten has also disputed council was giving away land for no return.
‘‘... if the proposal proceeds, Launceston residents and businesses will benefit and, in fact, all of Northern Tasmania will benefit,’’ he said.
Alderman van Zetten said the Inveresk campus shift would gift Launceston a future $220million capital investment on its doorstep.
‘‘What some critics continually fail to address is that UTAS at Newnham is unsustainable – defending the status quo is not an option.’’