As the debate surrounding the proposed AFL High Performance Centre on Hobart’s eastern shore intensifies, groups on both sides are urging Tasmanians to enrol to vote ahead of the upcoming electoral poll.
The around-$200,000 poll is set to be held within the next month and will be open exclusively to residents of the Clarence City Council area.
The area, home to over 60,000 people, spans the eastern shore of the Derwent River, from Otago to the South Arm Peninsula and includes Cambridge, Richmond and Seven Mile Beach.
The proposed Rosny location for the facility has sparked controversy since the site was put forward after community consultations, which the ‘Save Rosny’s Parks’ group argues were inadequate, prompting the council to hold the poll.
The High Performance Centre will primarily be funded by the state government, contributing up to $60 million, with an additional $10 million from the AFL. The Clarence City Council will not invest in its development.
Over the weekend, Labor announced its support for the project, reflecting community sentiment that Charles Hand Park should be left off the plans.
Instead, they propose building the entire facility on the ‘less-controversial’ former Rosny Golf Course site.
Mayor Brendan Blomeley’s said it was great both sides of government were on the same page and called for the ‘silent majority’ to come forward and back the project.
He said the community should not be ‘held to ransom by the vocal, anti-development individuals’.
The specific details, timeline and questions for the electoral poll are still being finalised but must be resolved within the coming month.
