Time to Green Light UTAS STEM Precinct

MEDIA RELEASE 

Tasmania’s tech sector has urged the Legislative Council to give the green light to enabling legislation for a new STEM precinct at the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus.

TasICT, the peak body for the tech sector, supports the University’s plans to redevelop the Sandy Bay campus to include a $500m state-of-the-art STEM precinct – providing the institutional support needed to supercharge Tasmania’s digital economy. 

TasICT CEO Russell Kelly said that the University of Tasmania (Protection of Land) Bill due for debate in the Legislative Council tomorrow would provide confidence for future State and federal government investment.

“The tech sector is excited by the STEM precinct proposal because it will allow a greater on-campus presence for industry and create a collaborative hub that can link research with the commercialisation of real-world tech solutions.

“It also will allow greater opportunity for students to have real-life experience with tech companies and create a clearer employment pathway to entry-level roles through the proposed tech hub.”

Mr Kelly said without the STEM precinct the campus risks falling into decline at a time when low enrolments reported by UTAS is causing concern for the long-term viability of several STEM courses such as Mathematics, Physics and Information Technology.

“The University is to be congratulated in seeking to reinvent and reinvigorate itself. STEM education is rapidly evolving, and simply relying on the comforts of yesteryear will fail the next generation of students.”

Mr Kelly said it was important to ring‑fence any proceeds from the sale of surplus land above Churchill Avenue to help fund the upgraded STEM precinct.

“Investing in a new STEM precinct at Sandy Bay is the right outcome for students, for industry, and for Tasmania’s future workforce.”

“The task now is to get on with it — approve the enabling legislation that will provide the confidence for State and federal governments investment and support UTAS on the next stage of its evolution,” Mr Kelly said.