A key independent in the upper house has confirmed she remains undecided on the Macquarie Point stadium, just days out from the crucial vote.
Bec Thomas, the independent member for Elwick, took to social media on Friday to thank constituents for sharing their views on the $1.13 billion project.
She said she had received more than 1,600 letters and emails on the issue, “with more rolling in by the minute”.
“I’ll let you know, when I know,” she wrote.
The upper house will debate and vote next week on an order to progress the roofed waterfront venue, with Thomas and fellow independent Dean Harriss widely regarded as the deciding votes.
The stadium is backed by both the Liberal government and Labor opposition but opposed by the Greens and several crossbenchers.
Thomas said constituent views were “a really important part” of her decision-making, but she did not have time to respond individually while also scrutinising the 157-page parliamentary order and supporting documents.
She said her mother, Kathy, had volunteered to read the correspondence and compile a spreadsheet of arguments for and against the project, with help from a friend and her electorate officer.
“I really appreciate everyone’s patience and messages of support as I work through this important decision,” Thomas said.
Both Thomas and Harriss have previously raised concerns about the state’s finances and the project’s cost.
A planning commission report earlier this year recommended the stadium not proceed, finding the “benefits are outweighed by the disbenefits”.
However, the AFL has repeatedly warned the Tasmania Devils team will not go ahead without the stadium, which is a condition of the club’s entry to the league.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government has committed $240 million to the Macquarie Point development, urged MLCs to vote yes on Thursday.
An estimated 1,500 people attended an anti-stadium rally last weekend, with a pro-stadium gathering planned for Sunday ahead of the vote.
