A proposed new stadium at Hobart’s Macquarie Point lacks support from most Tasmanians, according to a new EMRS poll.
The EMRS statewide omnibus survey revealed that 59% of respondents oppose the multi-purpose stadium, while only 36% favour the development.
A small minority of 4% remain undecided.
Opposition is particularly strong in the north at 67% and north-west at 65%, compared to 52% in the south.
EMRS noted significant age-related trends, with the 25-34 age bracket showing majority support at 54% for and 41% against.
This was in contrast with the 70-plus demographic, where opposition reaches 74% and only 23% in favour.
42% of males supporting the stadium compared to 31% of females.
“Using demographic and geographic data, it can be inferred that a stereotypical stadium supporter is 25-34 years old, with a young family living in Franklin,” EMRS said.
A stereotypical stadium opponent, EMRS said, is 55-plus, living in Bass or Braddon and earning under $80,000 per year.
Northern independents Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick called the polling a reality check.
“It’s clear Tasmanians in all parts of the state are far from convinced about the merits of the stadium,” Pentland said.
“With net debt on track to soar past $10 billion, voters appear rightly sceptical about Tasmania’s ability to pay for a stadium with an unknown price tag,” Beswick added.
Minister Felix Ellis insisted that Tasmanians overwhelmingly support having an AFL team.
“No stadium, no team,” he said. “Let’s be really clear, if we want our team in the AFL we need to deliver this stadium.”
“The north and north-west are some of the biggest footy fans that you’ll find anywhere in the country and so we want to be able to support Tasmania with our own team in the AFL.”
