City of Launceston councillors have stood firm on their November decision to transfer land at Inveresk and Willis Street to the University of Tasmania for an inner city campus.
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At its Monday meeting the council considered a report prepared by general manager Robert Dobrzynski which focused on submissions and decision at two June public meetings. Council determined it would not be in the best interests of ratepayers to take any action to overturn the original decision.
The motion was moved by Alderman Janie Finlay, who said the benefits to the community, both socially and economically, would be significant.
“Unfortunately many, many young people haven’t had the opportunity to experience what great education can give them... and we know in supporting this project, so many young people [will benefit],” she said.
“It will drive both public and private investment and [the effects] will ripple into the suburbs.”
Alderman Finlay said council would be scrupulous as a planning authority to allay any concerns about sewage, water or parking.
Five members of the public spoke for the motion, including president of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce Donna Bain.
[It's] not only a major capital works program that will realise real benefits for those in construction trades... but it is an investment in people.
- Donna Bain, Launceston Chamber of Commerce
“The UTAS Northern transformation project is not only a major capital works program that will realise real benefits for those in construction trades... but it is an investment in people,” she said.
One member of the public spoke against the item, saying council had given little insight into why the land was gifted to the university.
Alderman Robin McKendrick said about the project negativity needs to stop.
“If we start to be positive, speak up and talk about our city, that has a snowball effect on the people, the economy and the whole community,” he said.