Tasmanian casino and hospitality giant Federal Group has publicly challenged the state government’s plans to bypass normal planning processes for the Macquarie Point stadium.
New polling commissioned by Federal Group shows Tasmanians strongly oppose the government’s decision to withdraw from the Tasmanian Planning Commission and instead introduce fast-track legislation.
The EMRS survey revealed 50% of respondents oppose the decision compared to just 24% who support it, with those strongly opposing (38%) nearly triple those strongly supporting (14%).
Daniel Hanna, Executive General Manager at Federal Group, said the research should prompt the government to reconsider its approach.
“The proposed stadium is already a very divisive project, abandoning the Tasmanian Planning Commission process in favour of fast-track legislation will make that division even worse,” Hanna said.
“Every developer in Tasmania must comply with the existing laws and processes, the Tasmanian community clearly wants the Tasmanian Government to play by the same rules.”
The polling also found 70% of respondents oppose the government spending beyond its announced $375 million cap on the stadium, while 62% believe opposition and independents should block any legislation if the cap is breached.
The survey was conducted mid-April with 878 respondents statewide and has a margin of error of 3.3%.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has previously defended fast-tracking the project, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity.
“It has become clear that the current process is undermining certainty and confidence in the future of the precinct and the Tasmania Devils AFL club,” Rockliff said.
“We cannot afford not to deliver this project and we cannot afford delays.”
