Construction has commenced on the future University of Tasmania campus at Burnie’s West Park.
The milestone was marked with a Community Conversation held earlier in the year at Makers’ Workshop on Monday, 17 February.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Cradle Coast) Professor Jim Cavaye and City of Burnie Mayor Steve Kons each shared their unique perspectives of the once-in-a-generation development.
The trio then participated in a rich community discussion facilitated by University Provost Professor Jane Long.
“It is at the centre of what we are about, to see this island fulfil its potential and possibilities to create extraordinary lives for the people here,” Professor Black said.
“This is not a project about buildings, it is a project about a commitment to community and what we can do here ever more strongly.”
Professor Cavaye said the development would transform the University’s teaching and learning programs while positively contributing to the region.
“The campus belongs to the Cradle Coast. It will enable us to bring a whole new level of education and learning to the region, and it will allow us to contribute even more strongly to its health and the social, economic and cultural life.
“It will be a community space as much as it is a university space. We want industry and community to be directly involved in the learning experience of our students,” Professor Cavaye said.
“We have a strong mission to improve access to tertiary education for everyone, and provide flexible pathways for people into learning that suit their life circumstances.
“We are working hard to help lift educational outcomes and to help people reach their life aspirations.”
The building will comprise interactive spaces and state-of-the-art technology allowing the University to offer new courses in the North-West such as Nursing.
Burnie Mayor Steve Kons said Council’s support for a campus at West Park aligned with a commitment to improve the community’s opportunities and outcomes.
“I look at the statistics that we have around the North-West Coast, particularly secondary education and tertiary education, and we rank so low it’s not funny,” Mayor Kons said.
“The fundamental reason we are here is to make this place better.”
In February, the first cohort of University College students undertaking the Associate Degree in Equipment Design and Technology were welcomed to the Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) facility.
Originally proposed for West Park, , through a co-location partnership at the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council.
The West Park development is currently scheduled for completion in mid-2021.
