Premier Jeremy Rockliff has labelled the Macquarie Point stadium “the most scrutinised project in the history of the world” as parliament prepares to vote on the development today.
The remark came during question time on Thursday, with Rockliff defending the project’s rising costs and insisting Macquarie Point would remain empty without the stadium.
“I can guarantee you that in 2035 if the stadium is not built, that place will still be an industrial wasteland,” he told the lower house.
The project is now estimated to cost $1.13 billion, up from the original $715 million.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff pressed the premier on whether he could promise the price tag wouldn’t climb any higher.
“We have updated Tasmanians on the increase in costs. And, of course, I can’t be beholden to the $1.13 billion,” Rockliff said.
“This project will be no doubt scrutinised, as it already has been – within an inch of its life – and will continue to be so.”
He said the investment was necessary to deliver an “iconic” facility. “We haven’t turned the first sod yet, for heaven’s sake,” he said.
Rockliff repeatedly said the project is an investment in young Tasmanians, with $240 million in federal funding and $360 million from the AFL on the line.
“It’s not just about you. It’s about the young people of Tasmania who actually deserve a future in this state,” he said.
The lower house is expected to vote on the stadium order this evening, with the motion tipped to pass with support from the Liberals, Labor and independent MP David O’Byrne.
The upper house will vote on the project order in December.
