STEM push hotting up

Property Council says community must rally

THE influential Property Council of Australia has thrown its weight behind a $400 million STEM centre in the Hobart CBD.

Executive director Brian Wightman said the Tasmanian division was keen to support investment and development underpinned by the education sector.

“STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) is a development of both state and national significance, which requires the support of all Tasmanians,” Mr Wightman said.

“The project will not only deliver investment for Hobart, it will drive increased research and training opportunities statewide with nodes at Inveresk and West Park — key elements of the university’s proposed Tasmanian Innovation Network.

“Tasmania must continue to deliver positive educational investment which encourages our young people to aspire to secure the highly skilled jobs which will be required as the result of a transitioning economy.”

The concept, supported by Infrastructure Australia, last week won the backing of local councils and 11 local mayors as the No. 1 project for Southern Tasmania at the Local Government of Tasmania annual conference.

Hobart City Council is expected to discuss the proposal next week.

The State Government has shown strong interest in STEM and says it is advanced in its discussion with the Federal Government regrading it being a part of a City Deal. Key Tasmanian federal figures, including senators Eric Abetz and Jonathon Duniam, have come out in support of the project, alongside the likes of Denison MP Andrew Wilkie.

University of Tasmania vicechancellor Peter Rathjen said STEM could proceed regardless of whether a City Deal eventuates.

Mr Wightman said from here it was vital there was a strong and cohesive approach across all levels of government, opposition, and industry leaders.

The community must be made aware of the transformative potential of the development and what it could mean for educational outcomes, economic growth and the overall future of the state, he said.

“The community must remain cognisant of the many economic and social challenges which place a handbrake on growth in our state,” he said.

“With the lowest weekly fulltime wages in the country, health levels that historically lag the nation, and in a state with a dispersed regional population, we also have the lowest percentage of people with a bachelor’s degree in the country, which is a major impediment to improving on this situation.

“When you combine these challenges, it is little wonder that Tasmania needs to receive $1.88 in GST for every $1 collected.

“A goal of continuous economic growth will only eventuate in Tasmania through investment in education.”

He said the Property Council played a role in leading the conversation over the Launceston City Deal, and he hoped it could play a similar role in Hobart.

“Now is the time for all stakeholders to join with the southern councils and the Property Council in doing the same to help secure a Hobart City Deal around the STEM project,” he said.

Federal Assistant Minister for Cities Angus Taylor has said the only thing holding back Hobart from a City Deal was local government support.

Given the strong backing of local councils, a spokesman for the minister said an announcement was expected soon.