Key Takeaways:
- Thousands of people gathered on Hobart’s parliament lawns to protest against the proposed Macquarie Point stadium
- The AFL’s requirement for a $1.13 billion roofed stadium as a condition for the entry of the Tasmanian Devils team into the national competition is being questioned
- Critics argue that the stadium will burden the state with an extra $1.8 billion of debt within a decade and will have negative impacts on the environment and public services
- The existing York Park stadium in Tasmania’s north is being considered as a better, cheaper option for the state’s AFL future
- The final vote on the stadium is set to take place in early December, with the upper house MPs holding the deciding vote
Introduction to the Protest
The proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart has been a topic of controversy, with thousands of opponents gathering on the parliament lawns to protest against the project. The rally, which was attended by approximately 7,000 people, featured a range of speakers who lambasted the major parties and the AFL for their support of the stadium. The speakers argued that the stadium would be a burden on the state’s already fragile budget and would have negative impacts on the environment and public services.
Criticism of the AFL’s Requirements
The AFL’s requirement for a $1.13 billion roofed stadium as a condition for the entry of the Tasmanian Devils team into the national competition is being questioned by critics. Lawyer and prominent anti-stadium critic Roland Browne argued that the AFL’s assertion that the stadium is a non-negotiable condition is not plausible. Retired judge and former Labor politician Duncan Kerr also questioned the AFL’s ultimatum, suggesting that it is "despicable" and "condescending". The critics argue that the stadium is not necessary for the team’s entry into the league and that other options, such as the existing York Park stadium, could be considered.
Concerns about the Stadium’s Impact
The proposed stadium has divided Tasmania, with many concerns being raised about its impact on the state’s budget and environment. Greens MLC Cassy O’Connor argued that the stadium would burden the state with an extra $1.8 billion of debt within a decade, on top of the $13 billion the state is projected to carry by 2029. She also raised concerns about the visual impacts of the stadium, suggesting that it would destroy Hobart’s "fragile" beauty. Other concerns include the transport challenges created by the stadium’s location and the potential for environmental damage.
Alternative Options
The existing York Park stadium in Tasmania’s north is being considered as a better, cheaper option for the state’s AFL future. Brent ‘Tiger’ Crosswell, who played more than 200 Australian football games at the highest level, argued that the York Park stadium could be renovated to meet the needs of the Tasmanian Devils team. He suggested that the stadium’s location in the north of the state would also provide a more even distribution of AFL games across Tasmania.
Government Response
The Liberal government and Labor opposition have both supported the proposal, despite criticism from independent analysts and the public. Premier Jeremy Rockliff argued that the stadium is a "once-off investment" that will bring enormous opportunity to grow the economy and fund public services. However, he was criticized for ignoring independent advice and smearing critics. Barrister Greg Barns SC argued that the government is "borrowing from the Trump White House playbook" by dismissing independent analysis and criticism.
Final Vote Looms
The final vote on the stadium is set to take place in early December, with the upper house MPs holding the deciding vote. Multiple speakers at the anti-stadium rally used their speeches to send messages directly to the upper house MPs, urging them to reject the stadium plan. The outcome of the vote is uncertain, with the government and opposition parties supporting the proposal, but independent MPs holding the balance of power. The decision will have significant implications for the future of the Tasmanian Devils team and the state’s budget and environment.
