Thousands rally against a new $700m+ AFL stadium in Tasmania amid housing crisis

Thousands of angry residents in one state have rallied to fight a proposed $700m+ AFL stadium as the housing crisis worsens.

One state’s government has been told where to shove it by a senator known for her fiery views as thousands stood their ground protesting a multimillion-dollar development.

Frustrated residents in Tasmania assembled on the lawns of Parliament House on Saturday, protesting a proposed new $700m+ stadium.

As the housing and cost of living crisis tightens its grip across the country, Tasmanians gathered to fight the proposed new Macquarie Point stadium which has a building cost of $715m.

The decision to spend taxpayer money on the new AFL location has divided the community, with diehard footy fans supporting the initiative.

But as many struggle to afford day-to-day living, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

Tasmanians gather in the thousands at the first rally against the proposed new stadium. Picture: Twitter

The state Labor and Greens parties have been opposed to the proposal since it was put forward in 2022, despite the build being contingent to Tasmania being granted an AFL licence for a team towards the end of the decade.

On Saturday, those opposed to the decision, including senator Jacqui Lambie, chanted outside Parliament House.

“Team yes, Stadium No. Tell the AFL where to go,” and “We can’t eat stadiums or submarines,” could be heard throughout the crowd.

Other musicians sang “Stick your stadium up your bum,” with Senator Lambie joining in.

“Tasmanians have had a bloody gutful over your stadium,” she said.

“You can stick it up your bum!”

The crowd chanted as they protested against the multimillion dollar stadium. Picture: Twitter

People attended with signs covered in slogans against the development.

One woman held a sign saying the decision was a “bad idea made worse by failing the Tasmania People losing homes for Tasmanians.”

One woman’s sign against the stadium. Picture: Twitter

Defending the choice, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently revealed the site had been looked at since 2012 when he was infrastructure Minister under Julia Gillard.

‘This site has been left derelict for too long,” the Prime Minister said.