A group of Launceston residents, including former Aldermen Basil Fitch and Ian Routley, have written to the Prime Minister expressing concern over the University of Tasmania’s campus relocation to Inveresk.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The letter details concerns about the “wastefulness and merit” of moving the Newnham campus to Inveresk, citing flood risk concerns, the consumption of public land for the use of the university, and the alterations in the university’s curriculum.
Bass Labor MHR Ross Hart said he was “really surprised” at the views detailed, and said the university’s relocation, which has bi-partisan support, was critical for the long-term growth of Tasmania’s education outcomes.
“We can’t keep doing what we have done in the past, we have to do better,” Mr Hart said.
“Every business can do better with someone employed who is university educated.”
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was in Launceston last week to transfer $130 million of federal funding for the $260 million relocation project, with construction expected to begin at the end of 2018.
Along with Senator Helen Polley, Mr Hart urged concerned community members to take their thoughts directly to the university and discuss how the campus relocation would impact Launceston.
“I would encourage any community members who may have concerns about the suitability of the site or the masterplan process to engage with UTAS,” he said.
Liberal Senator David Bushby said conversations he had with Launceston residents and stakeholders about the project had been positive.
“As with any project of this magnitude, it is not uncommon to have people opposed to the development - as always, I remain available to listen to any local members of our community who may wish to share their concerns or support towards the project,” he said.
The open letter wrote of “strongly held concerns of the wider community” that the Inveresk site was unsuitable and the university’s introduction of associate degrees would reduce the attractiveness of Launceston to international students.
The letter writers propose advisory panels be established to assess the move and potential changes as needed.
The Examiner spoke to several community members on Sunday about their views on the relocation, which has also been hotly debated on The Examiner’s Facebook page.
UTAS declined to comment.
