Focus on ranking, not shifting
UTAS IN THE CITY
THE University of Tasmania rates 287 in the 2019 QS World University rankings compared to the main Australian universities which are in the top 50. UTAS should be concentrating on improving its ranking by making sure its students and staff are properly supported, minimising bureaucracy and maximising research funding. Instead UTAS management seems focused on an unnecessary move. All the top Australian universities and nearly all of the top world universities have a unified green space campus similar to the current UTAS Sandy Bay site.
Creating a disjointed university campus across Hobart with buildings of incoherent architecture and no green space is a dumb idea. It will detract from an academic atmosphere, create more dead streetscapes in the city and increase traffic congestion. I don’t think this move has the support of students, staff or the community and it has the potential to damage UTAS’s already mediocre reputation. The eloquent spin offensive does not amount to a compelling case for spending so much taxpayer money to move the UTAS main campus from Sandy Bay into the city.
Lifts the spirits
WHAT a well-written letter by reader Sue Carlyon about the advantages of the Sandy Bay campus of the University of Tasmania (Letters, June 7).
Having spent many years there, first as an undergraduate, then doing postgraduate studies and finally doing some lecturing, I found the beautiful surroundings at the university constantly lifted my spirits when on campus. Sadly, the centre of Hobart is becoming a soulless place dominated by cold, brooding, university structures with no sense of cohesion to provide the students and staff with a real sense of belonging.
Sensible city move
THE decision by UTAS to relocate from Sandy Bay to the CBD is sensible. Most students live north or east of the CBD and currently have to transit through the CBD to get to Sandy Bay, so they will have less distance to travel. The relocation will also result in a substantial reduction in the number of people driving through Sandy Bay, meaning the residents of Sandy Bay, Mt Nelson and Taroona will face less traffic congestion. UTAS itself will benefit financially from the move, so it’s a win all round.
As for Hobart’s overall traffic problems, there are a range of affordable solutions. For example, the State Government’s own report into a fifth lane on the Southern Outlet provides a detailed plan with costings that would streamline the traffic in Hobart’s southern suburbs. All the Government needs to do is implement it.
Bed numbers
UTAS Vice Chancellor Rufus Black would have the community believe international students are not cash cows, however, 6000 students are from overseas and have to be accommodated near the university. The Government moves to give Drysdale independence from TasTAFE Very good move by the government. Not only is it ailing with lack of funds but also the growing pains of the tourism industry need to be kept up with. uni website indicates they have available beds for 1100 students which I feel is understated due to recent accommodation acquisitions in Hobart. Based only on the 1100 beds, say 40 weeks at an average of $250 per week, rental income is estimated to be $11 million in one year.
Universities are known to be among the most profitable organisations in Australia which brings me to my next concern: UTAS does not pay council rates.
The Local Government Act concerning exemption from having to pay council rates does not list UTAS, and Jeremy Rockliff in a lengthy email reply to my concerns tried to have me believe UTAS is a charity.
Congesting every aspect
CONGESTION is the condition that creates ill health and social calamity. To move the University of Tasmania into the city centre is a disgraceful act that betrays why the original site was chosen. It is ideally situated in Sandy Bay. Thousands of pedestrians and increased motor traffic will befall Hobart city, congesting every aspect of the city.
New name for Hobart?
IS it true that Hobart City Council is spending millions of dollars on a feasibility and impact study on changing the council logo and name to University City Council?
Checkout workers
THE young ladies and boys standing guard over auto checkouts are not paid enough. They are not security guards.
Finches for sale
SOME conservation groups are saying that the Queensland Adani mine spells the death of the black-throated finch. Better buy yourself one off Gumtree. Cost $50. Licensed breeders.
Road closure not cool
MAY 29, Hobart, temperature 9C, sniff of snow, Pinnacle Rd closed. Oh, for a cable car.
Pushing climate change
ISN’T it disgusting how big business is pushing climate change as a means of taking advantage of the fear campaign generated by this mainly natural event. Yes, we need to take the opportunity to reduce all forms of pollution, but without wrecking the economy, and definitely not adding trillions to the coffers of corporations who have no interest in the welfare of society generally.