‘Nimbyism and nostalgia’: Sue Hickey blast for UTAS Sandy Bay supporters

Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey is known for her strong stand on issues and she is still fighting to get support for the UTAS move from Sandy Bay to the Hobart CBD. Here’s why.

Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter with Mayor of Glenorchy, Sue Hickey at Cosgrove High School on Sunday 21st July 2024 talking about the UTAS move to the City of Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey, once hired by the University of Tasmania to spruik its move to the Hobart CBD, has accused those supporting the Sandy Bay campus of “nimbyism and nostalgia”.

Ms Hickey, who was also Hobart Lord Mayor when four mayors signed the Hobart City Deal supporting the move, has questioned the timing of the government’s legislation which requires approval of both houses of parliament before the sale of any land at Sandy Bay.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff is standing by the legislation saying: “No one is stopping the university moving into the CBD of Hobart, but what we’re providing is that extra check and balance.”

Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter with Mayor of Glenorchy, Sue Hickey at Cosgrove High School on Sunday 21st July 2024 talking about the UTAS move to the City of Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

Ms Hickey, who stood beside Labor leader Dean Winter on Sunday, said it was the University of Tasmania, not University of Sandy Bay and if a $500m STEM facility was to be built in Tasmania, the university needed the flexibility to develop Sandy Bay.

“This is a classic nimbyism and a nostalgic argument from people who do not understand the needs of a modern university in an intensely competitive world,” she said.

“I cannot believe that, with all the problems we have in Tasmania, the government thinks this is priority legislation.

“I believe in equity in education - all Tasmanians should be able to access university studies easily if they desire to.

“UTAS has adapted its business model to be flexible and to reach as many potential students as possible.”

Ms Hickey was appointed a UTAS ambassador in 2022 but left this year before she ran for parliament.

She said an elector poll on the UTAS move only received the views of people living in Hobart.

“No-one who might need to catch two buses from New Norfolk, Huon, Glenorchy, Sorell or Brighton had a chance for an opinion.

“It’s absolutely vital that the kids here get connected to university - that they see it in their future.”

Mr Winter said a university in the city was much easier for students to access.

“It could mean the difference between a student being able to attend university and not,” he said.

“It puts students closer to where many of them work – in the city.”

Mr Rockliff accused Labor of abandoning policies unlike the government who he said “does what we say we’ll do”.

“We won’t be scrapping the legislation to provide an extra check and balance and more opportunity for consultation when it comes to the university move,” he said.

Originally published as ‘Nimbyism and nostalgia’: Sue Hickey blast for UTAS Sandy Bay supporters