UNI MOVE TO CBD COULD BE A WINNER

THERE’S been some spirited debate on the University of Tasmania this week following the publication of a Talking Point by former student and retired engineer Ian Howard. Mr Howard was critical of the educational facility for a number of reasons, saying there wasn’t a robust enough way for stakeholders to engage. His main beef was the move to the CBD campus.

Mr Howard makes a couple of fair points when he says there is concern about the lack of face-to-face teaching time or that there are concerns about staff casualisation.

But it’s a bridge too far to suggest that the standard of training at UTAS is low. Saying that Tasmania’s poor health and education outcomes are somehow related to the quality of graduates from our state university is insulting.

There are no shortage of armchair critics of the university but these educational facilities often have to change tacks and pivot depending on local, national and international trends.

There is no denying that the university set off down the wrong path under previous leadership when it chased the international dollar. But current Vice-Chancellor Rufus Black acknowledges that and, to his credit, has been clear about the university’s strategic direction as well as its focus on being an expert in all things Tasmanian.

He has also placed additional focus on ensuring the university is across the state – which is only a good thing for population spread to our regional areas as well as giving more Tasmanians access to higher education.

Many criticise the university’s plans to move from its Sandy Bay campus into the CBD. The biggest concerns seem to be the impact on the university’s bottom line, traffic and parking.

But cities are changing, and thriving city centres need anchor tenants. To have functioning public transport networks, cities need density.

With the explosion of online shopping the retail experience in city hearts globally is different to what it once was. Ensuring in the future people still have reason to come into the centre leads to thriving coffee shops, pubs, eateries and other important public amenities such as galleries or urban parklands.

Students and young professionals are likely to embrace good public transport options, cycle or to enjoy pedestrian-friendly areas.

The move could expedite a trackless tram or light rail from the northern suburbs, decent bike lanes from Sandy Bay, and even an expanded River Derwent ferry service.

There is much that can be gained from the move and we can’t help but admire the bold vision – the challenge will be bringing the naysayers on the journey.