The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has joined the chorus of opposition to the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, calling its ‘terrible’ location a threat to their future.
The TSO says the stadium’s proximity to their home at Federation Concert Hall, which sits between two of Hobart’s busiest roads that carry tens of thousands of cars, buses and trucks each day, would create unacceptable noise impacts and vibrations during construction and operation.
“We’re certain there must be a less terrible location for our new stadium,” chief executive Caroline Sharpen said.
“Tasmania is one of the least densely built-up corners of the world. Surely, there is a spot that does not compromise our state concert hall, our Cenotaph and war memorial and the famous maritime heritage of our waterfront.”
Sharpen said the TSO has “exhausted” all official channels in raising concerns about the project, hoping community members also opposed to the current location will take up the fight with them.
“We’ve done a lot of searching and we’re yet to find another example of a government anywhere in the world prepared to build a 23,000-seat stadium 170m from the perimeter of their state performing arts centre,’ she said.
The orchestra uses their purpose-built facilities for a variety of purposes daily, creating a direct conflict with the government’s assurances that construction will work around their schedule.
A state government spokesperson maintains that the views of the TSO and RSL Tasmania are valued and will be taken into account throughout the Project of State Significance assessment process.
“Stadiums Tasmania will work closely with Mac Point’s neighbours, including the TSO, regarding scheduling,” they said.
“Event planning occurs well in advance and we’ll continue to work with the TSO to minimise impact on key events.”
“We remain committed to ongoing engagement with the RSL and the wider veteran community, not only through the design phase of the precinct but also more broadly on how we can further support veterans.”
Greens MLC Cassy O’Connor echoed the TSO’s concerns, arguing that the government is ignoring the voices of those most affected by the stadium.
“The Liberals’ have already given the middle finger to Tasmanian Aboriginal people by abandoning a promised truth and reconciliation park at Macquarie Point, then veterans by committing to a massive, roofed stadium beside the Cenotaph,” she said.
“In refusing to hear the growing chorus of opposition to their billion-dollar folly, Jeremy Rockliff and his ministers need to ask themselves: ‘Who do they represent?’.”
“On the stadium, it’s not the palawa or veterans, or the TSO. It’s the AFL board.”
“You’ve got to wonder if the AFL is worried by now. If the board is thinking clearly, they’ll read the room and start talking to the Premier about a plan b.”
