Sunday’s 15,000-strong pro-stadium rally sparked an economic boom for Hobart hospitality venues, with businesses reporting trade increases of up to 450% compared to normal, according to the industry’s peak body.
Hospitality Tasmania says venues across Salamanca, Battery Point and Sandy Bay experienced at least double their usual Sunday turnover following the demonstration.
Chief Executive Steve Old said the surge demonstrated why the proposed multipurpose stadium at Macquarie Point is vital for Tasmania’s economy.
“If one rally can double or triple venue trade on Sunday, imagine what a steady calendar of events could do – AFL matches, finals series, concerts, conferences, food festivals, sporting tournaments, you name it,” Old said.
“This is a real-world example of economic impact. It’s money in the till, shifts picked up, suppliers supported and casual staff getting extra hours.”
Customs House Hotel, located directly opposite Parliament House in Salamanca, had an influx of punters from the rally’s conclusion at 2:30pm right through until closing time.
Publican Paul Jubb reported a 300% increase in trade, saying he had never witnessed such an atmosphere on the waterfront throughout his decades in business.
The economic boost comes ahead of the Legislative Council’s crucial vote on the contentious project this week.
Independent Clark MP Kristie Johnston claims the project is continuing to expose divisions within the Labor Party – who are publicly backing the Liberal led proposal.
Johnston says she understands the Devonport branch recently voted to oppose the stadium internally, despite the party’s official support.
She says her office contacted the branch via Facebook messenger late on Tuesday, with a representative telling her the branch’s recent meetings “have been dominated by the issue from some very angry members”.
“It begs the question, how many other branches are also opposed to the stadium and have they also been muzzled,” Johnston asked.
In response, a Labor spokesperson said branches “debate things all the time”.
“The exchange of ideas and opinions within political parties is what they are for,” the spokesperson told Pulse.
“The Tasmanian Labor Party, the Australian Labor Party and the Prime Minister are clear: we support the stadium because we believe it’s the right thing for Tasmania’s future.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff acknowledged feeling “apprehensive and nervous” about the upcoming vote.
“I don’t want to say either way, but I feel as though we have done all we possibly can to provide the Legislative Council with all the information they need,” Rockliff said.
“All I ask for is that people consider the 15,000 people here on Sunday and the many, many other thousands of Tasmanians that want to take this project forward.”
