A re-invigorated University of Tasmania STEM campus at Sandy Bay can transform Tasmania’s economy and provide inspiration and aspiration for the next generation of Tasmanians to work in high-tech jobs, says TasICT.
TasICT General Manager Russell Kelly said that UTAS was right to harness community goodwill and build a collaborative approach to the proposed $500m STEM campus.
“It has the potential to change Tasmania for the better – bringing appreciation and respect for education, science and technology into our everyday language.
“Tasmania is experiencing a massive drop off in student interest in technology – even though most Tasmanians are using more technology than ever.”
Mr Kelly said that by utilising the existing footprint at Sandy Bay, UTAS would be able to add a greater array of features and facilities than would have been possible in the Hobart CBD.
“The task is now to ensure that the UTAS STEM campus achieves a generational change – by bringing state-of-the-art science and technology courses and facilities that build Tasmania’s science and tech brand.
“We are a small state, but we have a unique viewpoint and expertise in the southern region to contribute proudly to world problems that can be solved through science and tech.”
Mr Kelly said Tasmania’s tech industry was excited about the opportunity for the STEM campus to attract global tech headquarters.
“There are national examples such as South Australia’s Lot Fourteen and the proposed Australian Defence Technologies Academy in Adelaide that can provide guidance as to what is possible in Tasmania.
“It’s crucial that UTAS now co-designs the STEM campus with industry and the community so that it has real-world relevance and impact.”
“The University must also have contingencies in place to ensure STEM education is promoted now to ensure students are beginning to plan a career in STEM.”
Ideas for a community-focused STEM experience similar to Questacon in Canberra could also be explored.
“The development will be particularly exciting for the next generation of Tasmanian science and tech students – you can’t be what you can’t see.”
TasICT now looks forward to helping UTAS finalise its STEM campus proposals and helping lobby State and Federal Governments for the appropriate funding.