Key Takeaways
- The proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart has been a contentious issue in Tasmanian politics for years, with thousands of people taking to the streets in opposition or support.
- The stadium’s fate will be decided on December 4, with Legislative Councillors set to vote on the project.
- Former premier Peter Gutwein, who initially proposed the stadium, believes it is a necessary investment for the state’s future, while economist John Madden is skeptical about the project’s economic benefits.
- The estimated cost of the stadium has blown out from $715 million to $1.13 billion, with the government maintaining it will put in no more than $375 million in capital.
Introduction to the Stadium Debate
The proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart has dominated the political landscape in Tasmania for years, with thousands of people taking to the streets in opposition or support. The stadium’s fate will be decided on December 4, with Legislative Councillors set to vote on the project. Former premier Peter Gutwein, who initially proposed the stadium, believes it is a necessary investment for the state’s future. Mr. Gutwein has mostly stayed out of the limelight since he left politics but has now weighed in on the debate, stating that he always expected the stadium issue to be "a challenging fight."
The History of the Stadium Proposal
The 23,000-seat stadium at Macquarie Point may be firmly associated with Premier Jeremy Rockliff, but it was Mr. Gutwein who kicked off the proposal. He was in the midst of negotiating with the AFL to secure the 19th licence, and two reports had already recommended that Tasmania consider building a new stadium. Mr. Gutwein decided to announce plans to build a 27,000-seat stadium at Regatta Point, but he resigned before the deal was finalized. The former premier has stated that he was not surprised when the AFL linked the stadium to the deal, but he believes that the AFL and the government have not clearly articulated the benefits of the stadium.
The Impact on Politics
The stadium proposal has had a significant impact on Tasmanian politics, with two former Liberal MPs, John Tucker and Lara Alexander, quitting the party due to concerns about a lack of transparency around the stadium deal. The premier agreed to make the AFL deal public and put the stadium through the Project of State Significance process in return for confidence and supply. The debate around the stadium has continued to intensify, with political analyst Richard Eccleston stating that the AFL’s unwillingness to compromise has made the issue more divisive.
Economic Concerns
Economist John Madden is skeptical about the economic benefits of the stadium, stating that the estimated cost of $1.13 billion is too high and that the government’s plan to fund it through borrowings is not justifiable. Mr. Madden believes that the stadium will add $1.8 billion in debt over the decade, which will worsen the state’s debt position. However, Mr. Gutwein disagrees, stating that he has never had an issue with intergenerational assets being funded by intergenerational debt.
The Future of the Stadium
The fate of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium will finally be decided on December 4. Mr. Gutwein believes that if the stadium is rejected, it will be the biggest lost opportunity that Tasmania has ever had, and it will crush confidence in the state. He also believes that young people will continue to flood out of Tasmania if the stadium is rejected. On the other hand, Ms. Alexander is sad about how the stadium debate has unfolded and believes that projects like this should be about unifying people, not causing ruptures and frictions in society.
Conclusion
The proposed Macquarie Point stadium has been a contentious issue in Tasmanian politics for years, with thousands of people taking to the streets in opposition or support. The stadium’s fate will be decided on December 4, with Legislative Councillors set to vote on the project. While some believe that the stadium is a necessary investment for the state’s future, others are skeptical about its economic benefits. Regardless of the outcome, the stadium debate has already had a significant impact on Tasmanian politics and society, and its legacy will be felt for years to come.