Key Takeaways
- Around 15,000 people gathered at Hobart’s parliament house to support the construction of a new stadium for the Australian Football League (AFL) team in Tasmania.
- The proposed stadium has been met with opposition due to its high cost, with an estimated price tag of $1.13 billion, and concerns about the impact on the local community and environment.
- The AFL has offered $15 million towards the construction of the stadium, while the federal government has committed $240 million, leaving Tasmania to cover the remaining cost.
- The debate over the stadium has been highly polarized, with proponents arguing that it will bring economic benefits and put Tasmania on the map, while opponents argue that the cost is too high and that the money could be better spent on other priorities such as health, education, and housing.
Introduction to the Protest
In a state with a rich history of activism, a protest was held on Sunday to support the construction of a new stadium for the AFL team in Tasmania. The protest, which drew around 15,000 people, was held in response to opposition to the stadium, with many arguing that the cost is too high and that the money could be better spent on other priorities. The AFL’s invitation to Tasmania to join the mainland’s premier competition in 2023 has been described as the greatest gift in Australian sport, but the condition that the state builds an expensive stadium on a precious parcel of land has been met with criticism.
The Stadium Debate
The debate over the stadium has been highly polarized, with proponents arguing that it will bring economic benefits and put Tasmania on the map, while opponents argue that the cost is too high and that the money could be better spent on other priorities. The AFL has offered $15 million towards the construction of the stadium, while the federal government has committed $240 million, leaving Tasmania to cover the remaining cost. The state is already $5 billion in debt and has had its credit rating downgraded, making it difficult to justify the expense. Despite this, many Tasmanians are passionate about having an AFL team and believe that the stadium is necessary to make this a reality.
The Protest and its Organizers
The protest was organized by a group of pro-stadium supporters, who described themselves as "makers" rather than "takers". The group was led by Mark Brown, a self-described "regular bloke from the suburbs", who thanked his family and urged the MLC upper house members to approve the stadium when it comes before them this week. The protest was attended by a number of high-profile figures, including the Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff, Labor leader Josh Willie, and former Labor leader David O’Byrne. The event was held in the guise of a grassroots movement, despite the influential support and polarizing political language.
Opposition to the Stadium
Those who have argued against the stadium have called for the money to be spent on health, education, and housing instead. This group includes the Greens and a handful of independents, who believe that the cost of the stadium is too high and that it will have a negative impact on the local community and environment. An independent planning assessment found that the project should not proceed due to its high cost and a myriad of problems. The AFL has defended the deal, with CEO Brendon Gale arguing that the state needs to invest in the stadium in order to be part of the national platform and tap into the economic benefits and revenue stream.
The Community’s Response
The debate over the stadium has been highly divisive, with many Tasmanians passionate about having an AFL team and believing that the stadium is necessary to make this a reality. However, others are strongly opposed to the stadium, citing concerns about the cost and the impact on the local community and environment. The community’s response to the stadium has been intense, with many people attending rallies and protests to express their views. The issue has also been the subject of much discussion and debate in the media, with many people expressing their opinions on social media and in letters to the editor.
The Future of the Stadium
The future of the stadium is uncertain, with the MLC upper house set to vote on the issue this week. If the stadium is approved, it is likely to be a highly contentious issue, with many people opposed to the project. If the stadium is not approved, it is likely to be a major disappointment to those who have been campaigning for it. Either way, the debate over the stadium has been a stain on the state, with many people feeling strongly about the issue and the need for healing and reconciliation. As one protester, Brian Clark, said, "There’s going to be a lot of angst if this doesn’t go through. It’s part of Tasmania, it’s part of me. I’m nearly 70 and I want this. I’ve wanted it for 30, 40 years."