STEM ENGINE

Leaders behind the $400m push

CIVIC leaders have united in a show of force to call for the University of Tasmania’s $400 million STEM centre to be the No. 1 project for southern Tasmania.

Mayors from Hobart, Clarence, Kingborough, Brighton, Derwent Valley, Sorell, Glamorgan Spring Bay, Central Highlands, Southern Midlands and Tasman councils and commissioners for Huon Valley and Glenorchy, pictured, have thrown their weight behind moving the centre into Hobart’s CBD.

The 12 councils comprise the influential Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority.

“STEM is not just an education project and that is why Infrastructure Australia have put it on their priority list,” said Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey, who also is authority chair.

“This is the project the city, region and state needs to give critical mass to help solve other significant issues we face, such as sustainable transport, affordable housing and jobs.”

Ald Hickey urged the state and federal governments to come on board to help bring the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) project to life. “Raising the standards of education in Tasmania raises the standards of living for us all,” she said.

The university and supporters of the project say it would have statewide benefits. It would bring more than 3000 students and 700 staff into the CBD and provide for smaller campuses in Launceston and Burnie. It would aim to forge links with local industry. Councils surrounding the capital said the increased ease of access for students was a key factor in their support.

Glenorchy Commissioner Sue Smith said it was a vital project for her region.

“Certainly the city is familiar more so than the Sandy Bay area to our [residents], especially our young, and I can see increased enthusiasm to further their education not only by our young people but also to many who wish to upskill as part of their self-improvement and job prospects or advancement in current employment,” Ms Smith said.

Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans said it was a “nobrainer” to have it in the CBD.

“Especially for the Derwent Valley and its young people and older people getting back into education, because it’s just one bus to get to town,” Cr Evans said.

“When you have to take extra buses to Sandy Bay and other campuses around Hobart it makes it so hard and they are talking about accommodation in Hobart, which makes it easier for our young people to engage in education, and education is one of the keys to life itself.

“Any opportunity for that to move forward is applauded.”

His views were echoed by Brighton Mayor Tony Foster.

“I think it will allow the youth in our municipality to access [university] more if it is in Hobart and it will even help those in the Southern Midlands area. At the moment, in Sandy Bay, it is difficult to get there,” Cr Foster said.

“It will allow more of our kids to go to university, and that’s why I support it.”

Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Michael Kent said the STEM project would provide young students a way to envision a pathway for their studies. “We just need to ensure our country kids are encour- aged from an early age to see the benefits of living and studying in our capital city and experiencing the world beyond the East Coast,” Cr Kent said.

Central Highlands Mayor Lou Triffitt said STEM subjects should be encouraged.

“Meeting the needs of our students is difficult in the country, and at some stage does require relocation to the city to further education, especially in the STEM area,” Cr Triffitt said.

“For our students who do relocate to further their academic abilities, success is based on their foundation of knowledge that is formed through piquing interest in primary school, and then providing a solid base throughout secondary school, where STEM subjects should be compulsory.”