After announcing his candidacy as an independent in the next state election, David O’Byrne has reaffirmed his support for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium and AFL High-Performance Centre.
Taking to the ‘Yes AFL Team, Yes Stadium’ supporters group on social media, O’Byrne revealed that a “big part of the reason” he quit the Tasmanian Labor Party was his commitment to the AFL/AFLW teams, the state’s club and the “need to deliver the facilities required to make this dream a reality”.
“I have always believed that good governments deliver on health, education and housing but also major infrastructure projects that deliver economic prosperity and jobs,” he wrote.
“Projects like the Stadium and the High Performance Centre will not only deliver on those goals, but will also realise the dream we share of having a competitive and successful club of our own in the AFL and AFLW.”
O’Byrne, who is also the President of the Southern Football League, believes that the state government and the Tasmanian Labor Party have, at times, put the “dream in jeopardy”.
“Some people say that the Stadium and High Performance Centre are not the right priority for Tasmania at this time. But my view is that the economic future our state and having a club in the AFL should always be a priority and that issues across healthcare, education and housing in our state can still be addressed,” he said.
“I believe I can make a difference. I believe, if elected, I can help to deliver on our AFL and AFLW dream.”
