Master Builders Tasmania has thrown its full weight behind the Macquarie Point stadium, saying the project will “light the fuse” for private sector investment across the state.
Chief Executive Jenna Cairney told a business forum in Launceston that the construction sector is “150%, 160%, 170%, 180% behind the stadium”.
“Building an infrastructure project such as this will light the fuse of private sector investment and it will be an absolute boon for our building and construction industry,” she said.
The stadium is expected to create 600 construction jobs at Macquarie Point alone, with Cairney estimating one in five of those roles could be filled by apprentices.
“That’s massive for our industry and it’s massive for young Tasmanians,” she said.
The forum comes a week before the upper house votes on the stadium project, which has stirred fierce debate across the state.
More than 1,000 protesters rallied at Parliament House over the weekend, while supporters of the project are expected to gather on the lawns this Sunday.
Cairney acknowledged the opposition and said many business owners don’t have the time to attend protests.
“They’re not professional protesters and they don’t have a lot of time to be waving placards around,” she said.
“They’re too busy trying to keep the economy going and provide for their families.”
Master Builders has launched the Tasmania First Taskforce to ensure local workers benefit from the build.
The group wants Tasmanian labour prioritised, though Cairney conceded some interstate or overseas workers would still be needed.
“What industry would be striving for is as much as possible,” she said.
The event, held at Du Cane, attracted 75 business leaders from across Tasmania.
Cairney stressed that the stadium’s benefits would reach far beyond the capital.
“This isn’t just about Hobart. This is about the wealth generation that will spread throughout the state,” she said.
She pointed to ongoing upgrades at York Park in Launceston, plans for a high-performance centre in Kingston and improvements at Dial Park in the north-west.
Cairney said the stadium was crucial for economic diversification, noting that 97% of Tasmanian businesses are small enterprises.
“From a business perspective, I think we’re here representing the quiet Tasmanians and those that are busy getting on with work,” she said.
The upper house will vote on the stadium project next week.
