The new Library and Student Experience Building at the University of Tasmania's (UTAS) Inveresk Campus was officially opened today, signifying an exciting step for students and the communities of Launceston and Northern Tasmania.
The new building is part of a $130 million investment by the Morrison Government under the Jobs and Growth for Tasmania project to support construction of three facilities at UTAS's new Inveresk campus in Launceston.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Morrison Government was continuing to deliver important community infrastructure through the City Deal.
"The opening of the new UTAS Library and Student Experience Building is an example of the significant city-shaping benefits of the $536 million Launceston City Deal," Minister Fletcher said.
"The development of this leading university campus will greatly improve access to education and employment outcomes for the people of Northern Tasmania."
Federal Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Stuart Robert, said the new facility was a welcome addition to the Inveresk Campus and would greatly enhance the students' experience.
"By bringing world-class teaching, learning and research facilities to the students of UTAS Inveresk, we are securing the future of science and research in Northern Tasmania," Minister Robert said.
Authorised by the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Sydney.
"Today's opening couldn't be better timed as this hub will host several important student services that will support the return to face-to-face learning, which we are delighted to be seeing right around the country.
"It also follows the opening last September of the redeveloped UTAS West Park Campus in Burnie, to which the Morrison Government contributed $20 million and is already providing great benefits for students in North-West Tasmania."
The relocation of UTAS's main campus in Northern Tasmania from Newnham to Inveresk is the centrepiece of the Launceston City Deal, which is a $536 million, 10-year partnership aimed at helping Launceston become Australia's most liveable and innovative regional city.
Tasmanian Minister for State Growth, the Hon Roger Jaensch MP, said the project was an investment in the future of the state.
"This important addition to the facilities at the University of Tasmania's Launceston campus will further enhance the university's appeal to prospective students," Minister Jaensch said.
"Projects like this one boost Tasmania's growth, through investment into infrastructure for future generations." Federal Member for Bass, Bridget Archer MP, said the opening of the new facility was a landmark achievement for Launceston and the surrounding region.
"Moving UTAS's northern campus to a central, accessible location in Launceston will have great benefits for students and will create a vibrant hub in the heart of the city," Mrs Archer said.
"We know students in regional Australia face barriers to completing higher education and building world-class facilities like this in regional areas will go a long way to helping remove those barriers."
City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Launceston City Deal was helping to support local jobs and boost the economy.
"It is wonderful to see three levels of government cooperate and work towards a common goal," Cr van Zetten said.
"The Launceston City Deal is encouraging new opportunities for growth and development in the area."
The Tasmanian Government and UTAS have each contributed $75 million to the construction projects at the West Park and Inveresk campuses, matching the Morrison Government's $150 million investment.
The next two teaching and learning buildings under construction at Inveresk are the River's Edge Building and Willis St Building, which are on track for completion in late 2022 and 2023, respectively.
