Cost, location, and benefits to young Tasmanians took center stage at a public forum discussing Hobart’s proposed Macquarie Point stadium, drawing a mixed crowd of 70 people at ABC Hobart’s foyer. The attendees included supporters, opposers, and those on the fence about the envisioned multi-purpose facility. The potential for Tasmania’s AFL team to participate in the national competition hinges on the construction of a new roofed stadium, a crucial requirement in the government’s agreement with the AFL. The forum, hosted by ABC Tasmania Mornings presenter Leon Compton, featured a panel comprising Tasmania’s Business Minister Eric Abetz, Tasmania Devils AFL team general manager Kath McCann, architect Mat Hinds, and Independent MLC for Elwick Bec Thomas, who fielded a range of inquiries from the public.
Cost Concerns and Site Size Disputes:
The proposed stadium’s estimated cost, projected at around $1 billion by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, sparked ongoing debate among the audience. While the Tasmanian government initially sought private investment to support the stadium’s construction, it now plans to finance the project through existing funding and additional borrowings, with the intention to sell off the broader Macquarie Point precinct to cover the loan. Architect Mat Hinds raised concerns about the stadium’s size in relation to the site, deeming the current location “far too small” for the scale of the development. He pointed out that the building’s height exceeded that of the Tasman Bridge, emphasizing the potential risks associated with the chosen site.
Legislative Hurdles and Future Implications:
Audience members also expressed apprehensions about the approval process for the stadium, considering the state government’s decision to introduce special legislation to facilitate its construction. Independent MLC Bec Thomas highlighted the significance of cost in her deliberation on the impending legislation, emphasizing the need to weigh the financial implications for future generations. Despite the financial concerns, Tasmania Devils AFL team general manager Kath McCann underscored the intertwined nature of the team and the stadium, emphasizing the economic benefits that would ensue from their establishment. Student Lily Mills from the Tasmania Academy of Leadership and Sport echoed the sentiments, highlighting the potential for the stadium to retain young talent within the state.
The Way Forward and Differing Perspectives:
While stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors championed the stadium as a pivotal economic opportunity, political figures and independent MPs expressed reservations about the project’s implications. The Tasmanian Greens MPs wrote to AFL boss Andrew Dillon, urging the removal of the stadium as a licensing condition, citing concerns about the project’s fairness and impact. Independents Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland called for collaborative efforts between state and federal governments, and the AFL to navigate a more sustainable path forward, one that minimizes risks for taxpayers and fosters unity within the community. Despite the varying viewpoints and financial uncertainties surrounding the stadium, the quest for a resolution that balances economic progress with long-term sustainability remains paramount.