Council gets behind $400m uni project

THE University of Tasmania’s $400 million science, technology, engineering and maths project is set to be the cornerstone of the push for a Hobart City Deal.

The Hobart City Council last night voted unanimously to support a motion by Alderman Philip Cocker for an urgent report into the possibility of the STEM project being the basis of a City Deal for Hobart.

Ald Cocker said with other cities seeking a City Deal with the Federal Government, it was important Hobart decided on a project to get behind its campaign.

“The game is afoot, someone needs to step up and show some leadership,” Ald Cocker said.

“We know there is a project that Infrastructure Australia is looking at favourably.

“It’s one of those projects that may only come around once in a generation.”

The STEM project, which involves shifting the university’s STEM research and teaching functions to a 23,000sq m site at Argyle and Melville streets, is among Hobart devel- opments identified as possible priorities for a City Deal.

The UTAS proposal has received endorsement from Infrastructure Australia and praise from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Ald Damon Thomas said it was a perfect project to put front and centre of a City Deal.

“I think it’s one of the most significant motions we have had in this council,” he said.

Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said the project could transform Hobart and Tasmania.

“It is a kind of nucleus that will feed into things like the need for better public trans- port and affordable living,” Ald Hickey said.

“And we are not focusing enough on our kids, this will give them an amazing opportunity.

“There’s such a big percentage of our population that don’t have this opportunity.”

Ald Jeff Briscoe said enlisting the support of other Southern Tasmanian mayors could help ensure the STEM project was realised and the City Deal was secured.

Ald Anna Reynolds said there were other projects including light rail and ferries the council should also place highly in any City Deal.