A key Legislative Council member whose vote could decide the fate of the Macquarie Point stadium has suggested the state government might be setting the project up to fail.
Bec Thomas, whose backing will be crucial for passing enabling legislation to get the stadium built, has questioned the government’s handling of the Hobart development.
“The way the government is approaching its communication with MPs and the people of Tasmania on the stadium, one could wonder whether they are trying to get the stadium built or hoping to see it go down among a sea of shifted blame,” Thomas said.
“It’s disrespectful to the intelligence of Tasmanians to try to trick them into believing responsibility for the AFL team lies with MPs who had no involvement in signing the deal with the AFL that mandated it.”
Her comments come after Premier Jeremy Rockliff delivered a blunt ultimatum to members of the Upper House.
“Every MP will get a vote on whether the stadium will go ahead. Yes or no. If the vote is no, it is all over,” Rockliff said.
“There will be no stadium. There will be no team.”
But Thomas says political pressure will not sway her decision.
“We know we’re going to have enabling legislation to consider but, right now, we don’t have a draft bill so we can only speculate on what it might or might not include,” she said.
“While we wait, I’m doing everything I can to inform myself on the stadium and the team.”
She said she requires concrete evidence the stadium can be built at the proposed site, along with transparent funding plans for both the stadium and associated infrastructure.
“I will also need to understand how infrastructure associated with the stadium will be funded, including not just the northern access road and other projects referred to in the MPDC’s submission, but also the northern suburbs transit corridor and more community sports facilities,” Thomas said.
“I will continue to read reports, talk to relevant stakeholders and listen to the people I represent to help inform my decision on whether a stadium at Macquarie Point is in the best interests of Tasmanians.”
