Controversy Surrounding the University of Tasmania Campus
The University of Tasmania campus has been at the center of a heated debate, with the Tasmanian Liberals recently taking a stand against the planned relocation from Sandy Bay.
If the Tasmanian Liberals secure a majority government, they intend to amend the University of Tasmania Act to ensure that any potential sale or lease of land at Sandy Bay undergoes parliamentary scrutiny.
Opposition to the university’s move is not limited to the Liberals, as the Tasmanian Greens also express their disapproval. Meanwhile, the Labor party emphasizes the importance of focusing on educational outcomes over the campus’s physical location.
Commitment to Sandy Bay Campus
In anticipation of the upcoming election, the Tasmanian Liberals have pledged to preserve the University of Tasmania campus in Sandy Bay if elected.
Their proposed amendment to the University of Tasmania Act 1992 would mandate that any sale of land currently owned by the university in Sandy Bay must receive approval from both Houses of Parliament.
It is worth noting that the existing site of the University of Tasmania was a gift from the people of Tasmania back in 1951.
In recent developments, the university unveiled detailed concept plans in 2021 for its relocation to central Hobart. These plans encompass the construction of 2,500 residences on the former Sandy Bay campus, along with the establishment of a tourism hub and new sports facilities post-relocation.
The redevelopment plan for the University of Tasmania campus at Sandy Bay initially included five distinct precincts: Mt Nelson tourism and residential, learning, lifestyle and sporting, innovation and civic, and peri-urban. The university has expanded its footprint in central Hobart by acquiring various properties, such as the old forestry building on Melville Street, currently undergoing a $131 million renovation. Classes have already transitioned to the city in response to this development.
Regarding the Liberal policy announcement, a spokesperson from UTAS expressed anticipation for more details on the policy and its legal, planning, and financial implications. Rufus Black, the UTAS vice-chancellor, previously mentioned the intention to offer long leases for the former campus instead of selling the land outright. The Liberals clarified that their policy aims to prevent any deviation from educational use for the land, requiring approval from both parliamentary houses for leases or sales for other purposes.
During the 2022 local government elections, voters in the Hobart council area expressed opposition to the university’s move, with 74 percent voting against it. Consequently, UTAS paused its Sandy Bay plan post the elector poll, awaiting the completion of a structure plan by the council for Sandy Bay and neighboring Mount Nelson. The university’s relocation plan hinges on the council rezoning the Sandy Bay campus from “educational” to “mixed” use.
UTAS emphasizes its commitment to stewardship of the majority of the site, intending to develop it gradually in alignment with community and university values. The Liberals, previously neutral on the relocation debate while in government, have now engaged with an election approaching on March 23. Premier Jeremy Rockliff stated in October 2022 that the decision on relocating the southern UTAS campus aligns with the university’s educational priorities as a private organization.
It’s worth noting that the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay site was a gift from the people of Tasmania to the university in 1951.
Liberals Support Law Change for University of Tasmania Campus
The Liberal candidates from Clark, including Mohammad Aldergham, Emma Atterbury, Simon Behrakis, Jon Gourlay, Madeleine Ogilvie, Catherine Searle, and Marcus Vermey, highlighted the historical context of the University of Tasmania Act from 1951. They emphasized that a crucial provision preventing the university from selling land at its Sandy Bay campus was eliminated by the Labor party in 1992.
Expressing their stance, the Liberals stated, “The Liberal Party acknowledges the university’s prerogative to develop new facilities in Hobart’s CBD and beyond, if desired. This decision strikes a harmonious balance between safeguarding public interests and enabling the university to focus on its core mission of educating young Tasmanians.”
In a proactive move, they declared, “Should we win the election, we commit to introducing legislation within the initial 100 days of our parliamentary term to formalize this arrangement.”
Similarly, the Tasmanian Greens oppose the relocation of the University of Tasmania campus.
Madeleine Ogilvie emphasized the significance of providing assurance and stability to the residents of Sandy Bay, students, staff, and the university itself regarding this matter. She affirmed, “It is imperative for all stakeholders to have clarity and security moving forward, and as a party, we are dedicated to ensuring this outcome.”
When questioned about potential opposition in parliament, Ms. Ogilvie refrained from a definitive response, citing the need to evaluate proposals on a case-by-case basis.
Simon Behrakis reiterated the Liberal Party’s stance on the university’s expansion plans, acknowledging the community’s strong sentiments against the move. He stated, “While we respect the university’s right to extend its presence into the CBD or other areas, the overwhelming feedback from the electorate in 2022, with 74% of Hobart residents expressing clear opposition, is a crucial factor that we have taken into account.”
The
University of Tasmania campus
received the land for its Sandy Bay location in 1951 as a generous donation.
Wasting University of Tasmania Campus Funds
University of Tasmania Campus Redevelopment Plans Unveiled
The University of Tasmania has revealed ambitious redevelopment plans for its old campus, including the construction of thousands of homes, a vibrant tourism precinct, and state-of-the-art sporting facilities.
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Heading: The Controversy Surrounding the University of Tasmania Campus
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is currently investing an additional $130 million in what could be considered one of Hobart’s most lavish renovation projects – a building on Melville Street that is deemed impractical due to its distance from the main campus and limited functionality. Calls have been made for all spending on this project to cease immediately. Mr. Foster has emphasized the need for accountability from both the Liberal and Labor parties in relation to this situation. He has urged UTAS to be transparent about its financial status, especially after borrowing substantial amounts for the project. This transparency is crucial for determining the level of financial support required from future governments to ensure optimal teaching and research standards.
Ben Lohberger, a key figure in the Save UTAS Campus movement, has announced his candidacy as an independent for Clark in the upcoming state election. In response to the recent Liberal party statement, Lohberger criticized the previous government’s handling of the issue, accusing them of prioritizing political gain over the best interests of the university. The Save UTAS campaign has been actively opposing the relocation, expressing disappointment in the lack of concern shown by certain political parties.
Sue Hickey, a former lower house speaker and current independent candidate for Clark, has been a vocal supporter of the UTAS relocation for the past two years. She believes that the Sandy Bay campus is no longer viable and suggests repurposing the land for housing, given the significant portion of vacant space. Hickey argues that if there is a genuine need for housing and a proposal to utilize the idle land in Sandy Bay, it should be considered, regardless of the existing policies in place.
