Mac Point Stadium support will come once built: Government

There’s precedent that support for a stadium usually prevails once it’s built, a government minister says. The Greens share a different view.

Macquarie Point Multipurpose stadium north west gate. Picture: Mac Point Development Corporation

The Greens say 85 per cent of the 839 submissions to the Tasmanian Planning Commission were opposed to or critical of the Macquarie Point stadium.

And the government says it understands that there are differing views but after initial opposition where stadiums have been built interstate people have backed them recognising their benefits.

Greens sport spokesman Vica Bayley said people’s opposition to the cost and location of the stadium were reinforced in 700 of submissions.

He said Tasmanians wanted money spent on healthcare, education and housing.

“They don’t support spending a billion plus dollars on a stadium in that location and sacrificing the city,” Mr Bayley said.

“This stadium’s the product of a dud deal with the AFL where the Premier didn’t even consult his own cabinet, let alone Treasury or the Tasmanian people.

“It’s clear that the Premier has been deaf to the views of Tasmanian since day one.”

Mr Bayley said the government should renegotiate the deal with the AFL to “ensure Tasmanians get the teams they deserve, without being saddled with generations of debt and a dodgy stadium”.

“It’s not a good investment for Tasmanian taxpayers,” he said.

Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley.

Minister Roger Jaensch

Government Minister Roger Jaensch said the government was keen to know people’s views on the stadium.

“We want to know what people’s interests and concerns are,” he said.

“Where there are constructive submissions raising issues that we need to consider in how we deliver the stadium, certainly we’ll take those aboard.

“The stadium in Hobart and the waterfront is part of the agreement for the team. No stadium, no team.

“What we do know is that in other states around Australia, where projects like this have been proposed, there have also been a range of views expressed very strongly at the time.

“(But) in nearly every one of those cases that we’ve seen so far after the project has been built and delivered on its potential, everyone has been behind it.”

Mr Jaensch said it was essential to deliver on the urban renewal investment, employment opportunities and to provide something for younger Tasmanians to be proud of.

Originally published as Mac Point Stadium support will come once built: Government