A crowd of Tasmanians gathered on Parliament Lawns in Hobart this morning to oppose the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, as the Legislative Council prepares to vote on the controversial project in early December.
The rally featured speeches from politicians, footballers and activists, with VFL legend Brent “Tiger” Crosswell declaring the stadium “a great moon ball that’s fallen through space” that doesn’t fit the city.
“This stadium is ugly,” Crosswell told the crowd. “It will move across the cityscape and deface things, particularly historical Hobart.”
Independent MLC Meg Webb urged the Legislative Council to reject the order to approve the stadium, calling it “an ill-conceived and wildly unsuitable stadium project” that was recommended for rejection by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
“The Legislative Council should not, and I hope will not, be bullied [by the AFL] like our premier was,” she said.
Webb claimed any contract can be renegotiated and criticised Premier Jeremy Rockliff for creating risk to Tasmania’s AFL team through his agreement with the AFL.
Human rights lawyer Greg Barnes accused the government of smearing opponents and ignoring independent analysis.
“What government proceeds with a major project, which will mean debt for generations, and ignore all of the independent analysis?” he said.
The rally honoured politicians who have opposed the project, including independents and crossbenchers from various levels of government.
Organisers arranged buses from Launceston and the East Coast to bring protesters to the event.
The anti-stadium rally comes ahead of a pro-stadium rally next Sunday.
Meanwhile, Cricket Tasmania has today signed a landmark agreement to play elite level cricket at the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium, ending two years of negotiations over concerns about shadowing from the roof design.
Speaking at the announcement shortly after the anti-stadium rally, Premier Jeremy Rockliff shut down claims made by protest organisers that there were upwards of 6,000 people at the rally.
“There was no way there were 6,000 people there,” he said.
“People have a right to … have a say. That’s what democracy is all about. I look forward to attending the Yes Stadium Yes Team rally next week.”
Tasmania Police estimated approximately 1,500 people were in attendance at the rally.
