A group of Tasmanian politicians is again calling on the AFL to reconsider the Macquarie Point stadium, as supporters plan a major rally to prove public backing for the project.
Several MPs and MLCs have requested an urgent meeting with AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon on October 27, hoping to convince the league to abandon the $1.13 billion Hobart waterfront development the Tasmanian team depends on.
Their push follows the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s recommendation last month that “the project should not proceed” after a year-long assessment.
“The panel has concluded that the benefits are outweighed by the disbenefits,” the TPC’s independent assessment report stated.
But the state government has rejected those findings, arguing they represent “matters of opinion and choice” rather than insurmountable obstacles.
“The Tasmanian Planning Commission agrees that we can build this stadium at this site,” the government said in its official response.
“The stadium will create jobs, boost tourism and hospitality and stimulate our economy. Once built, this project will unite communities and elevate our cultural life.”
The Greens and independents Meg Webb, Kristie Johnston, Andrew Wilkie and Peter George are leading the charge to ensure the AFL hears concerns about the project.
“It is a safe assumption the AFL is hearing a positive tale from the Rockliff government and supporters of the Macquarie Point stadium,” Webb said.
“But there is too much is at stake for us to assume the full implications of the TPC’s findings have been clearly and comprehensively presented to the AFL.”
Johnston said the league must respond directly to the TPC’s findings.
“The AFL knows it has a duty to act in a way that benefits society, not just make profit,” the Clark MP said.
“It can’t sneak along hiding behind the lead of reckless politicians and avoid its responsibility.”
George urged the AFL to “drop” the stadium requirement and instead “back” the Tasmania Devils team without the infrastructure condition.
The stadium has been a non-negotiable condition for Tasmania’s AFL licence since the deal was signed.
“The AFL needs to hear the voices of Tasmanian representatives who speak on behalf of the majority of Tasmanians who clearly do not want the stadium to go ahead but would support a team,” he said.
This is the second attempt to secure a meeting after the AFL failed to respond to a similar request in June.
The AFL today said it is not changing its position.
Stadium supporters, meanwhile, are gearing up for a show of force on November 30, the weekend before the project goes to the crucial upper house for debate.
Organiser Mark Brown said the rally would give the ‘silent majority’ a chance to demonstrate their backing for the multi-purpose venue.
“This is and will be our last chance for us, the majority, to once and for all stand up and show support for our multi-purpose stadium,” he said.
“We have claimed to be the majority for the last two years, now the 30th of November is the time to prove this by turning up in force.”
