Reports today that the University of Tasmania (UTAS) has been gifted land for its campus relocations highlight the progress that is being made to realise an important vision for jobs and smart cities in Tasmania.
The Turnbull Government’s $150 million commitment to invest in the relocation and expansion of UTAS’s campuses in the heart of Burnie and Launceston will help drive education and employment opportunities in the region.
UTAS’s $300 million relocation programme will also be supported by the Hodgman Liberal Government and the University’s modelling shows the projects will attract 12,000 new students to higher education in the region, including 1,700 international students.
It’s clear that the University has the potential to make an even bigger contribution to the state as it is one of Tasmania’s largest employers and it accounts for more than two per cent of gross state product.
The Turnbull Government views these as transformational projects that can boost educational opportunities for Tasmanians, revitalise key Tasmanian cities and create more jobs in northern Tasmania.
My department is continuing to work with UTAS as they develop the details of their business case to ensure these projects can commence as quickly as possible.