Tensions have boiled over outside Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s Devonport office as anti-stadium protesters clashed with supporters of the Macquarie Point stadium.
The demonstration, attended by dozens, briefly turned physical when a small group of stadium backers holding placards confronted opponents.
At one point, a supporter was pulled backwards by an opponent and nearly fell. Footage also showed some body-to-body shoving between the two sides.
Many protesters voiced frustration over what they see as Hobart-centric decision-making, arguing the capital city gets more than its fair share of attention in state planning.
The protest follows a similar rally held on Hobart’s Parliament Lawns last week.
Independent MP Craig Garland joined the York Park Alliance at the Devonport demonstration, once again reinforcing his opposition to the proposed stadium at Macquarie Point.
He and other speakers argued that Tasmania’s current AFL venues, UTAS Stadium in Launceston and Ninja Stadium in Hobart, already meet the state’s needs and that the stadium funding would be better spent on education and healthcare.
“I will continue to put the community first and am pleased to stand alongside another community group that wants the government to listen to the commonsense alternatives,” he said.
“The AFL football ground at York Park, currently referred to as UTAS Stadium, has huge natural advantages and potential for further upgrades with far less conflict than the new stadium proposed for Macquarie Point.”
“Until Tasmanians can come to greater agreement on whether to build a new AFL/multipurpose stadium in the greater Hobart area, we must use the existing stadium infrastructure we have in Launceston and Bellerive.”
Supporters of the Macquarie Point project defended the proposal, pointing to limited accommodation options in Launceston and concerns about attracting and retaining players. Minister Roger Jaensch also backed the plan.
“The stadium in Hobart on the waterfront is part of the agreement for the team. No stadium, no team,” Jaensch said.
“We believe that Hobart is the location, the waterfront is the location, close to the CBD if we’re not only going to maximise visitation and use of the stadium for other purposes but also to achieve the economic multiplier that will come with that in the CBD.”
“We hear from all sides of this issue. We know that people have a range of views and we respect that.”
