More than 6,000 people have signed a petition calling on the state government to secure Tasmania’s AFL and AFLW teams without building a new stadium at Macquarie Point.
Greens MLC Cassy O’Connor presented the petition to the Legislative Council on Wednesday, combining 1,291 physical signatures with 5,096 online submissions.
“Very proud to present a petition signed by 6,387 Tasmanians calling on the Rockliff government to renegotiate the AFL/W teams deal – without a new stadium!” O’Connor shared online.
The petition points to assessments warning of risks with the proposed stadium.
Economist Dr Nicholas Gruen and the Tasmanian Planning Commission have highlighted the likelihood of cost blowouts, rising state debt and potential credit downgrades.
Other concerns include limited stadium space, pedestrian safety issues, unsafe evacuation plans, and contamination risks from site excavations.
The petition also warns of damage to heritage sites including the nearby Cenotaph.
O’Connor said opinion polls show most Tasmanians oppose the project, believing it is “unaffordable and unnecessary”.
“This petition also clearly reflects the public’s call for MLCs to reject the stadium,” she said.
“Let’s hope enough MPs and MLCs are listening to the communities they represent!”
The petition calls on the state government to renegotiate with the AFL “to ensure Tasmania and the 200,000 plus signed-up Devils members retain the AFL and AFLW teams we have earned” – something Premier Jeremy Rockliff has repeatedly ruled out.
“This project simply must go ahead,” Rockliff told parliament this week.
“We cannot afford not to proceed with the stadium infrastructure and the sooner we do this the better.”
“I look forward to the day when we are enjoying the footy, watching our Tassie Devils in brand new infrastructure.”
Parliament will vote on the stadium in November, with both the Liberals and Labor to support the development in the lower house.
Its fate, however, rests with the upper house, where the project will need the backing of multiple independent MLCs to pass.
