AGAIN the move of the University of Tasmania campus from Newnham to Inveresk is in the news, still with the idea the city centre will be reinvigorated ‘by the move of thousands of students’ into the CBD.
Unfortunately the reality is very different, with more and more UTAS degrees moving altogether from Launceston, and the much promised thousands of students finding they must move to Hobart or study online.
Two of my family had already moved to Launceston for fully on campus degrees, only to find these degrees are vanishing.
One could not even complete the first year in Launceston and had to change degrees only to then find in one subject, the Launceston students finally had to make do with taped Hobart lectures, as no lecturer was ever available in Launceston. This year, the second degree is also now no longer available in Launceston and he was simply offered the UTAS accommodation details for Hobart if he wishes to continue full time, on campus.
Both students have done exceptionally well in their studies and have accommodation and work arranged in Launceston. Not one of their peers has been able to complete degrees on campus in Launceston and all must move to Hobart, interstate or study online. I would suggest those who believe the CBD will be reinvigorated by these ‘thousands of students’ need to be asking UTAS for some actual figures as to how many on campus degrees are fully available in Launceston, and how many of those students enrolling are still fully on campus in Launceston by their second year of study.
For these are the only students who will be moving to Launceston and strolling down the mall.
Michele King, Campbell Town.
EDITOR'S NOTE: It is about time that Launceston's Council faced up to the fact that they involved in one huge mind game that just is not going to deliver what they are saying it will. Handing over public assets to this institution on a promise is more than silly. There is every chance this so called 'town-and-gown' ideal is a yesterday idea and tomorrow is about to arrive with a bang.
Whatever happens it will not be as Council and UTas have said it will be. It will be Launceston businesses with egg on their face. The good Aldermen will take their allowances and run for the hills.
God save us from all this nonsense!!
Your views are entirely understandable Michele, but the Council wants to bring new money into Launceston. It doesn't matter what it's for...just bring in money. As you say, Utas current campus at Newnham is fine except...it's too big for future needs. What to do? Sell it to mates for a knockdown price by creating an 'alternative campus' with public money, that can support more mates in construction etc etc. Winners - everyone except the tax and ratepayers.
ReplyDeleteYep, Launceston Counci's main game is as a begging operation that relies on pity money from State and Federal governments. Council will even allow injury to communities in order to attract more funds. That's bad because the only thing they really think about is ramping up their incomes, both as a Council and as paid aldermen/officials. Expect no creativity or action from this mob, just posturing and grubbing for money.
ReplyDeleteHi Ben, bringing in new money is all well and good, but not at the expense of destroying the viability of a 120yeqr old rowing club. A club which provides a home nd facilities to Dragons Abreast, State school students who would other wise be unable to row for their schools - or at all, as well as disabled rowers including those from Scotch and Grammar who do not have the specialist facilities or coaches required for their needs.A club which recently won a Human Rights Award for this very work. As to the University - it’s NOT an improvement, but a down grade. UTAS Launceston is being reduced to a satellite campus. The University has dramatically slashed academic staff Inhe North over the last few years and administration et al will be next. Development is fine - but NOt like this.
ReplyDeletePress coverage and very large pics of the UTAS Inveresk proposed buildings have been going on for several years.Then nothing happened......for a long time.... until a week before the recent Tas election when an article and a photo of a very small hole being dug on the site to do a soil test and a call for architects. What happened to everything that went before this small hole?
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