The director of Dark Mofo is backing a roofed stadium at Macquarie Point – but he says it needs light rail to the northern suburbs, visitor facilities and an integrated and central Truth and Reconciliation park.
In an opinion piece for The Mercury, Leigh Carmichael said he believes the stadium location is ideal, with easy access to major highways, potential new ferry terminals and says the stadium would ‘address the city’s event infrastructure shortage, attract international events and contribute to long-term economic growth’.
“Dark Mofo has utilised the space for festival events over many years, and we understand, through experience, the challenges faced by event organisers to find appropriate venues and infrastructure for large-scale public gatherings in the city,” he said.
“Mac Point is the last remaining flat area able to hold upwards of 20,000 people within walking distance from the CBD. It is a rare and valuable opportunity. Therefore our conclusion is that the site should be a publicly owned place for people, for recreational and cultural activity.”
The current plan from the Tasmanian Government allows for ‘rapid buses’ and an expanded ferry network to transport people to and from the new stadium at Macquarie Point.
Infrastructure & Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said the government had chosen buses, which will run within the transit corridor from Macquarie Point to Glenorchy and beyond and is expected to be developed between 2024 and 2029.
“Light rail hasn’t been viable, it’s been thoroughly canvassed and investigated,” Ferguson said in April.
