David O’Byrne has doubled down on his support for the Macquarie Point stadium, making him the only crossbench politician backing the project after the state’s planning commission recommended it be scrapped.
The independent Franklin MP has labelled the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s rejection as “subjective” and argued the panel used “manifestly flawed logic” in its assessment.
“The recommendation for refusal is just that – a subjective recommendation that is not beyond critique,” he said, adding it “does not change” his view.
The commission yesterday recommended the Hobart waterfront stadium be refused, citing concerns over costs and community benefits.
But O’Byrne argued the report actually confirmed the stadium was a viable proposition.
“Objectively the stadium can be built, the site can accommodate the proposal, the traffic and pedestrian impact can be managed, the noise and environmental impacts can be mitigated,” he said.
He criticised the panel for dismissing expert advice without explanation, particularly on economic benefits.
According to O’Byrne, the commission wrongly used North Melbourne’s Bellerive games as a baseline for estimating interstate visitor numbers.
He argued the panel overlooked the broader economic picture, including the fact Tasmania’s AFL team would not exist without the stadium.
“They fail to appreciate the cost to Tasmania of not proceeding with the project,” he said.
“I can’t accept that thousands of direct construction jobs, an AFL team, other sporting and arts events, a 1,500 seat convention centre, $360m investment from the AFL and a $240m investment from the federal government – all dependent on this stadium – does not represent a compelling case to mitigate concerns around public investment.”
“The report also fails to adequality acknowledge the construction activity that will occur across greater Hobart to take advantage of the economic opportunity created by the stadium build.”
O’Byrne is the only crossbench MP supporting the stadium, alongside the Liberals, in the lower house. Premier Jeremy Rockliff has vowed to push ahead despite the setback.
Labor leader Josh Willie said yesterday his party would take time to consider the report in full and the government’s response before deciding.
“The easy thing is to say no. The difficult thing is to work hard and make it happen,” O’Bynre said.
Parliament will ultimately decide the project’s fate, with its success hinging on Labor and the support of a majority of upper house members.
