Key Takeaways:
- The proposed stadium in Hobart, Tasmania, has divided the community between development and preservation of the historic waterfront.
- The stadium is expected to cost $1.13 billion and will be used for various events, including football, cricket, and concerts.
- The project has been met with opposition from some groups, including RSL Tasmania, who are concerned about the impact on the Cenotaph and the surrounding area.
- Proponents of the stadium, including local business owners and tourism operators, believe it will bring economic benefits and help to grow the population.
- The final decision on the stadium will be made by parliament, with a vote expected to take place on Thursday.
Introduction to the Stadium Project
The proposed stadium in Hobart, Tasmania, has been a topic of debate in the community for some time. The project has been divided between those who support the development of the stadium and those who are opposed to it due to concerns about the preservation of the historic waterfront. The stadium is expected to cost $1.13 billion and will be used for various events, including football, cricket, and concerts. The project has been met with opposition from some groups, including RSL Tasmania, who are concerned about the impact on the Cenotaph and the surrounding area.
Support for the Stadium
Despite the opposition, there are many who support the stadium project. Emily Mifsud, a 30-year-old Australian Rules player, believes that the stadium will bring economic benefits to the state and help to grow the population. She thinks that the stadium will provide opportunities for young players and help to keep them in Tasmania. Ben Hickey, a publican in Salamanca, also supports the stadium, believing that it will have a positive impact on the hospitality industry. He thinks that the stadium will bring in more visitors and help to boost the local economy.
Opposition to the Stadium
However, not everyone is supportive of the stadium project. RSL Tasmania president Mike Gallagher is opposed to the stadium, citing concerns about the impact on the Cenotaph and the surrounding area. He believes that the stadium will disrupt the ambience of the area and block sightlines to the Cenotaph. Architectural historian Warwick Oakman is also opposed to the stadium, believing that it will be a blight on the city’s landscape. He thinks that the stadium is too big for the site and will dominate the surrounding area.
Economic Concerns
One of the main concerns about the stadium project is the cost. The project is expected to cost $1.13 billion, which is a significant amount of money. The Tasmanian government has capped its contribution to the project at $375 million, with the rest of the funding coming from debt and private investment. However, some are concerned that the project will not provide a sufficient return on investment and will instead be a burden on the state’s economy.
Transportation Concerns
Another concern about the stadium project is the impact on transportation in the city. The stadium is expected to attract 23,000 fans to each event, which will put a significant strain on the city’s transportation system. Alison Hetherington, an advocate for Bicycle Network Australia, is concerned about the impact on the city’s roads and believes that the stadium will highlight the need for better transportation infrastructure in the city.
Conclusion
The proposed stadium in Hobart, Tasmania, is a divisive issue that has sparked debate in the community. While some believe that the stadium will bring economic benefits and help to grow the population, others are concerned about the impact on the historic waterfront and the surrounding area. The final decision on the stadium will be made by parliament, with a vote expected to take place on Thursday. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the stadium project has highlighted the need for better transportation infrastructure and more considerate urban planning in the city.
