Tasmania’s House of Assembly has voted to approve the $1.13 billion Macquarie Point stadium, clearing a major hurdle for the project.
An order made by Governor Barbara Baker passed after hours of debate that stretched into the evening, declaring the multi-purpose venue on the Hobart waterfront should be built.
The order was supported by 25 MPs from the Liberals, Labor, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco and independent David O’Byrne.
It was opposed by the remaining 9, being the Greens and independents Kristie Johnston, Peter George, Craig Garland and George Razay.
The stadium now faces its final test in the upper house in December, where several MLCs remain unconvinced about the project.
During the debate, Premier Jeremy Rockliff defended the deal that secured Tasmania’s AFL licence, acknowledging it wasn’t perfect but it had delivered a long-held aspiration.
“There’s been criticism of the deal that we signed. Was it the most perfect deal of the century?” he said.
“Some would say yes, others would say no. I signed it, and it got us an agreement.”
Rockliff said stadium projects were always unpopular but the Tasmania Devils AFL team had united the state in passionate support.
“I have young fathers stopping me in the street with their two sons, wanting to say hello and ask questions about the stadium and the Devils,” he said.
“We cannot let parochialism and politics get in the way of opportunity in this state. You’ve got to grasp the nettle and make decisions and make calls.”
“People are aghast when it comes to some of the discussions that have taken place when it comes to this project.”
“Aghast because we’re a state which has fought for so long for our own team.”
He said it would be humiliating and embarrassing if the state was to walk away now.
Minister for Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Eric Abetz said the project would transform the site.
“It will signal to the investment community that Tasmania is open for business,” he said.
Labor leader Josh Willie said his party would support the project despite concerns about the government’s handling of the process.
“We will scrutinise every decision made and every dollar invested,” Willie said.
“We will ask questions and demand answers, and we will call out delays and cost blowouts.”
“But we will not stop the project and crush the hopes and aspirations of so many Tasmanians. We will not be responsible for stopping the AFL and AFLW dream.”
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff reminded parliament that the Tasmanian Planning Commission had recommended against the project.
“It is a financial sinkhole that will diminish the economic welfare of Tasmanians as a whole,” she said.
“Far from being an architectural triumph, it is overbearing, unexceptional, too big for the site and overall negative for Tasmanians.”
Independent Peter George said he had campaigned against the stadium at the recent election.
“Now is not the time for a stadium and Mac Point is not the place for a stadium,” he said.
Independent David O’Byrne backed the project, arguing modern facilities were essential for attracting top sporting talent.
“A stadium is not just about a revenue model for the club, it is also about how we attract and retain the best players and staff in the game,” he said.
“The arms race in terms of facilities in the AFL is well and truly on and those that don’t deliver on this lose.”
