Pro-stadium rally outpoints opposition ahead of vote
Ethan James |
Supporters of a proposed AFL stadium in Tasmania have out-rallied their opposition ahead of a do-or-die parliamentary vote.
A crowd in the thousands filled the lawns outside parliament house on Sunday afternoon, a week after an anti-stadium protest at the same spot.
Construction of a 23,000-seat roofed venue at Macquarie Point is a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL and AFLW in 2028.
Tasmania’s upper house will on Wednesday and Thursday debate and vote on whether to approve the $1.13 billion project, with the result to hinge on two or three undecided independents.
“Back in May 2023 when the announcement of the team was made it was a unifying moment for our state,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff told the rally.
“But there were people that said no. That ‘no brigade’ looked like they were going to win another battle and slam the door shut on aspiration, but you stood up.
“You’ve stood up for something positive and in doing so created a grassroots movement like I have never seen in my lifetime.”
Tasmania Police have estimated the crowd was 15,000, compared to 1500 at the ‘no’ rally.
That figure is disputed by anti-stadium organisers, with eyewitnesses describing the ‘yes’ rally turnout as slightly bigger but not ten times bigger.
While Mr Rockliff has claimed unity behind the AFL team, the stadium has starkly divided the state.
Polling has shown sizeable community opposition to the stadium, while a planning commission report has recommended it not proceed.
It said the stadium was too big for the site, its costs outweighed its benefits and it would add $1.8 billion of debt to the state budget over a decade.
Penguin Football Club president Brian Lane said there was no hope for football in Tasmania if the stadium was not approved.
“The stadium at Macquarie Point is more than a building, it’s a statement that says Tasmania belongs on the national stage,” he said.
Tasmania-born Melbourne Football Club board member and ex-player Brad Green said there was a lot of support for the Devils from AFL clubs.
Mr Rockliff said he was confident the “job would be done”.
“By the end of this week, after all the talk, after all the work, all the debate and the opinion, a decision will be made,” he said.
“A decision that will define Tasmania for generations.”
Christine Finnegan, CEO of the Tasmania JackJumpers, who have captured the attention of the island since joining the NBL in 2021, said the state was ready for the AFL.
“The JackJumpers have given Tasmania so much to cheer for and so much to be proud of,” she said.
“Just imagine when we do it again, when the Devils run out at Macquarie Point for the first time.”
One of the undecided upper house independents, Bec Thomas, said on Friday she had enlisted her mum to sift through more than 1600 items of correspondence relating to the stadium.
“I really appreciate everyone’s patience and messages of support as I work through this important decision,” she wrote on social media.
“I’ll let you know when I know.”
AAP
