Peak industry bodies have called on Tasmania’s upper house MLCs to back the Macquarie Point stadium, describing it as essential for jobs and the state’s economic future.
Six industry leaders gathered on Parliament Lawns this morning to make their case for the $1.13 billion project, again highlighting the opportunities it would create for Tasmania.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills said the stadium would drive visitor numbers and give hotel developers the confidence to invest.
She pointed to Adelaide’s experience, where a new stadium sparked a 10-year pipeline of hotel development.
“My message would be, what is the opportunity lost from not doing this? And I don’t think we’ve really quantified that,” she said.
“Our argument is it would be a huge opportunity lost.”
Hills said the key was making the stadium distinctly Tasmanian while ensuring the broader waterfront and Salamanca precinct thrived year-round.
“If we make it really boutique and really Tasmanian, we think we can achieve that,” she said.
“We need to have this precinct thriving 365 days of the year and ensuring that we have occupancy in our hotels as well.”
Hospitality Tasmania CEO Steve Old said the stadium could boost winter hotel occupancy rates from the current 55-60%, unlocking new development.
“If we can get up to 70% or higher we’re going to get more buildings, more hotels, we’re going to get a vibrant economy,” he said.
He said young Tasmanians wanted the project to future-proof the state and create career opportunities at home.
Tasmanian Small Business Council CEO Robert Mallett said the state needed the confidence boost that major projects deliver.
He noted Hobart’s skyline now had barely one crane compared to eight to 10 during previous construction booms.
“Three words is what we’re hearing from Tasmanians: get it up,” he said.
Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania CEO Andrew Winch said the stadium would help maintain steady work as the Bridgewater Bridge project wrapped up.
“Major projects like the stadium and Bridgewater Bridge bring talent into the state, train lots of apprentices and are great for the economic benefit of Tasmania,” he said.
The industry push comes after Labor yesterday reaffirmed its support for the stadium, guaranteeing passage through the lower house.
Upper house independents will have the final say on the project.
The Liberals will put an order to parliament on November 4 to advance the stadium and are confident it will pass both houses prior to Christmas.
