The state government’s plan to bypass regular planning processes for the Macquarie Point stadium has gained crucial backing from Labor, despite fierce criticism from the Greens and independents.
As revealed by Pulse this morning, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced special legislation to fast-track the stadium.
It comes after what he described as a week of uncertainty ‘undermining confidence’ in the $715 million project.
“We cannot afford not to deliver this project and we cannot afford delays,” Rockliff said.
“It will drive economic growth, deliver jobs and, of course, mean Tasmania gets the teams that are rightfully ours.”
Labor MLC Luke Edmunds confirmed his party’s support this morning, while promising intense scrutiny.
“We’ll support the stadium through the parliament, but Jeremy Rockliff needs to be briefing all members of parliament, including us,” Edmunds said.
“You can support something while still scrutinising it.”
“We want to ask questions about his previous commitments, including around the spending cap that he’s put on this project. Does that still apply through this pathway? What do the timelines look like,” he questioned.
The decision follows government concerns about a draft Tasmanian Planning Commission report that found the project’s costs were “approximately double its estimated benefits”.
Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff condemned today’s move by the government as “utter desperation and gutter politics”.
“Jeremy Rockliff has officially taken Tasmania to an even worse place than Paul Lennon did with his Pulp Mill legislation,” she said.
“The Greens stand with the majority of Tasmanians who do not want this disastrous, wasteful, unnecessary stadium to be built.”
“If Tasmanians thought the Spirits fiasco was bad, they should brace themselves for a stadium saga that is much worse if this special legislation passes Parliament.”
Independent MPs Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland also expressed frustration, with Beswick describing the government’s actions as “entirely predictable”.
“The Tasmanian Planning Commission has identified a long list of issues that need addressing before work can commence but it seems the State Government is in a hurry,” Beswick said.
“Transport, access and environmental issues cannot be glossed over for the sake of the AFL’s timeline.”
Industry groups have rallied behind the stadium, with Master Builders Tasmania CEO David Clerk calling it “a lifeline for our industry”.
“This project promises to create a huge number of jobs, with estimates suggesting well over 100 new apprenticeships alone,” Clerk said.
“As the Bridgewater Bridge nears completion, the Macquarie Point Stadium offers a seamless transition for hundreds of skilled workers.”
“We’re talking about a landmark development that will showcase Tasmanian capability, drive tourism, and put Hobart on the map.”
The legislation will require approval in both houses of parliament, with the government needing to secure the backing of at least two independent members in the Legislative Council.
Public submissions on the Planning Commission’s draft report remain open until 8 May, with the new legislation expected to go out for consultation next month.
