Barracks site targeted for development
THE Federal Government will spend $5 million to relocate defence activities from Launceston’s heritage-listed Paterson Barracks to allow for potential development.
Defence Minister Marise Payne has also announced a $250,000 commitment for study on a Defence Innovation and Design Precinct at the Newnham campus of the University of Tasmania.
In Launceston yesterday, Senator Payne said a fit-for-purpose barracks would be built at Youngtown Barracks.
The funding is a result of the City Deal signed between the Launceston City Council and the Federal Government earlier this year.
“Defence will seek to prog- ress the redevelopment of Paterson Barracks highlighting the potential of the site to improve the livability and urban amenity of Launceston,” Senator Payne said.
She said the barracks site, built in 1828, was heritage listed on Commonwealth and Tasmanian registers.
“The Federal Government will work with the Tasmanian Government, City of Launceston, and the community on any redevelopment proposal to ensure heritage values are protected,” Senator Payne said.
The $250,000 funding is to be provided to UTAS to support a business case for the Defence Innovation and Design Precinct in Launceston.
The Tasmanian Government and UTAS will provide a further $125,000 each.
UTAS is planning a $260 million relocation from the Newnham campus to Inveresk, closer to the CBD.
UTAS vice chancellor Peter Rathjen said there was significant potential to leverage and build on the regions’ existing defence infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.
“A new precinct at Newnham alongside the Australian Maritime College will encourage the collocation of industry with the university, catalyse new research and development collaborations and deliver significant investment in the Launceston region,” Professor Rathjen said.
There have been fears the AMC will be undermined by the development of a $20 million Maritime Technical College in Adelaide aimed at training staff for the $90 billion shipbuilding program.