Green light: Tasmanian business leaders hail Mac Point stadium as a 'once-in-a-generation' opportunity
Tourism and hospitality bosses have hailed the Legislative Council's backing of Macquarie Point stadium as a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ to transform Tasmania's economy.
Tasmanian tourism and hospitality leaders have queued up to welcome the Legislative Council’s indicative backing of the Macquarie Point stadium, saying the expected passing of an order to build the key sports and events infrastructure reflected an understanding of the project’s economic and community benefits.
Chief executives of Business Events Tasmania, the Tourism Industry Council, and Hospitality Tasmania said while they looked forward to hearing from all upper house members ahead of a final vote expected on Thursday, the support of key independents acknowledged the opportunities the stadium represented.
“An all-weather, multi-purpose stadium is not just about football, it is long-term economic infrastructure,” TICT boss Amy Hills told the Mercury.
“It will strengthen tourism activity right around the state, and help Tasmania host a broader range of events and experiences.”
Steve Old, CEO of Hospitality Tasmania, said the project promised to underpin future winter trade in Hobart and provide certainty for the capital’ food and beverage sector.
Mr Old said a new stadium was exactly the driver Tasmania’s off-season economy required.
“Major events, concerts and matches in the colder months will mean more visitors, and will help grow the hospitality sector around Tasmania,” he said.
“We are encouraged by this commitment to supporting this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
Business Events Tasmania leader, Marnie Craig, said the stadium would include the integrated conference and event facilities that would allow the state to finally enter the market for higher-value national and international business events.
“Tasmania currently misses out on major conferences because our infrastructure simply isn’t large enough,” Ms Craig said.
“The stadium would change that, enabling Tasmania to unlock millions of dollars in new economic activity each year.
“That means more visitors and stronger regional dispersal.”
Other industry groups to have expressed vocal support for the job-creating benefits of multi-purpose stadium during months of fierce community debate include the Tasmanian Small Business Council, the Civil Contractors Federation, and Master Builders Tasmania.
In September, CCFT boss, Andrew Winch, described the project as critical to maintaining a consistent pipeline of construction work in the state, and likened the stadium’s importance to that of the Bridgewater Bridge.
“We can’t survive the boom-and-bust. We lose too many people, lose skills out of the state,” said.
“Major projects … bring talent into the state, train lots of apprentices, and are great for the economic benefit of Tasmania,” he said.
Earlier in the year, Master Builders Tasmania said while the stadium’s build would inject vital dollars into the local economy, the Mac Point infrastructure project promised to leave a lasting legacy economic and social legacy for the state.
“We’re talking about a landmark development that will showcase Tasmanian capability, drive tourism, and put Hobart on the map,” then-MBT CEO Dave Clerk said.
“The flow-on effects—more than 100 apprentices trained, continuity for Bridgewater workers, and a buffer against economic uncertainty—make this a no-brainer for our state.”
Originally published as Green light: Tasmanian business leaders hail Mac Point stadium as a 'once-in-a-generation' opportunity
Stadium finally approved after marathon debate
