UTAS land protection bill passes lower house

The University of Tasmania (Protection of Land) Bill 2024 has passed the House of Assembly. The legislation will ensure that UTAS remains in Sandy Bay and that the sale of any land by the university requires the approval of both Houses of Parliament.

Consistent with the intent of the legislation, the lower house has also approved the repurpose of two parcels of land above Churchill Avenue to fund the development of a new STEM precinct below the avenue.

Minister for Innovation, Science, and the Digital Economy, Madeleine Ogilvie, has welcomed the passage of the legislation in the lower house.

“The Government supports not only the retention, but the reinvigoration of the University of Tasmania at Sandy Bay.

“Central to those efforts are equipping the university with the ability to deliver a world-class education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“Tasmania needs STEM workers to prepare our island economy for the digital economy, an important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

“UTAS needs a STEM precinct to educate young Tasmanians for that future. It’s that simple.

"The Commonwealth must also do its part and co-invest in the STEM precinct. On behalf of Tasmanians, I will work with UTAS to fight for that funding," Minister Ogilvie said.

To redevelop the land, UTAS will still be required to go through normal planning processes of the Hobart City Council.