Property Council president Heather Mason backs Labor in opposing UTAS legislation

Labor’s opposition to the government’s legislation controlling the sale of UTAS’ Sandy Bay campus has found a high-profile supporter in the Property Council. Here’s why.

Property Council of Tasmania president Heather Mason and Labor leader Dean Winter.

The Property Council of Tasmania says the government’s legislation on the sale of the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus will drive investors away from the state.

Council president Heather Mason joined Labor leader Dean Winter on Saturday to argue that the legislation sends the wrong message to investors.

She said investor confidence across the country was low and the UTAS legislation would “add another layer to a very complex process”.

“As Dean’s alluded to, having the government set a precedent in telling developers what they can and can’t do is really going to drive investment to other states and territories,” Ms Mason said.

“There are better ways for the government to support developers rather than stonewalling them.

“I think the university have got assets that are clearly ageing assets and I think that’s been a catalyst for them to look at what their strategies are and coming into the city and building new and facilities for students that are going to be there for a lifetime.”

Ms Mason believes the university’s move from Sandy Bay to the city was always about creating the “right environment for students and making sure that they’ve got the right amenities and services around them”.

She stressed there needed to be wide community consultation on the future of the Sandy Bay campus which would “have a lot of appeal to a range a developers”.

Mr Winter said UTAS had been moving into the Hobart CBD for four years and when current construction work was finished “70 per cent of the university will already be in the city”.

He said the legislation before parliament showed the “government could come and tear up jobs and economic development potential on any project, at any time”.

“By doing so, it not only hamstrings the university, but sets a dangerous precedent for all developments in Tasmania,” Mr Winter said.

“Which industry will have the rug pulled from under them next?”

Liberal Member for Clark, Madeleine Ogilvie, said it was disappointing Mr Winter continued to mislead Tasmanians over the intent of the legislation.

“There is nothing stopping UTAS disposing of the land which was gifted to them by the government,” she said.

“What we are doing is introducing an important check and balance for a vital community asset.”

Originally published as Property Council president Heather Mason backs Labor in opposing UTAS legislation