Opponents reaction to Macquarie Point Stadium planning report

Stadium opponents have demanded the Tasmanian government abandon its Macquarie Point project after a damning planning assessment warned of high costs.

Our Place spokesman Roland Browne after Macquarie Point stadium planning commission report released. Picture: Duncan Abey

Opponents of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium have called on the government to heed a scathing planning assessment and either abandon or radically rethink the project.

Our Place spokesman Roland Browne said it was “time to face reality’ and abandon the project.

“The report could not be clearer that the stadium should not go ahead,” he said.

“It now will cost $1.8bn using the proponent’s construction cost estimate, but the TPC considers there is a significant risk they will be much higher than estimated.

“At $1.8bn it will cost Tasmanians an annual $50m in increased taxes, according to the TPC, with obvious implications for the cost of living for all Tasmanians, and yet it will return only 50 cents in the dollar.

“Meanwhile, the Royal Hobart Hospital is having its Cancer Unit staffing cut by 58 per cent, forcing cancer patients to travel interstate or overseas in order to receive treatment.

“Is this where we have got to — that Jeremy Rockliff would put his stadium folly ahead of the needs of terminally ill Tasmanians?

“I call on all politicians in the Liberal and Labor parties with a conscience to do the right thing and now work together with the majority of Tasmanians who have opposed this stadium from the beginning to ensure that the Tasmanian Devils football team has a future with the two existing stadiums.”

Opposition Leader Josh Willie was reflective on Wednesday.

“Labor will take the time to digest all the information thoroughly and give it the proper consideration it deserves – but the ball is firmly in the Premier’s court to explain what happens next,” he said.

The Greens remain vehemently opposed to the stadium and Deputy Leader Vica Bayley said it was time for it to be abandoned.

Independent member for Clark Kristie Johnston. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Independent MP Kristie Johnston also said it was time to abandon the stadium.

“The TPC is the umpire, and the umpire has made a call: the stadium is too big, too costly, too damaging for too little benefit.

“The government must listen. It’s arrogance beyond belief if they ignore the recommendation of the TPC. I call on my colleagues in both the lower house and the upper house to listen to clearly what the TPC says clearly: this project is a dud.

“No condition will make it better or make it more acceptable to Tasmanians.

“Tasmanians know we don’t need this stadium. We can’t afford this stadium, and it doesn’t fit on the site.

“We need to end this fast.”

Independent MLC Meg Webb

MLC for Nelson Meg Webb said it was time for the government to start talks with the AFL to find a way forward.

“This Report is a potential circuit-breaker that should bring the AFL and Tasmanian government back to the negotiating table,” she said.

“Our independent planning umpire has spoken, and it should be respected.

“The unequivocal recommendation is that Mac Point is the wrong location and the stadium’s projected debt burden on Tasmanians is deemed unacceptable.

“This will be a leadership test for the Premier.

“Will Jeremy Rockliff demonstrate responsible leadership by accepting this unequivocal recommendation from the TPC planning experts, standing with them, and requesting the AFL to come back to the negotiating table?”

“Tasmania’s promised football team should never have been put at risk by the ill-conceived Mac Point stadium requirement.”

David O'Byrne MP at Kangaroo Bay Park. Picture: Caroline Tan

Independent member for Franklin, David O’Byrne has long been a supporter of the AFL team and the stadium.

“No doubt over the next 24 hours, those with a fixed position will quote from the report where it supports their perspective and opinion on the proposal,” he said.

“It’s important as a representative of the people of Franklin in the parliament I provide a considered response.

“It’s also important I read the report in full and consider and reflect on the matters raised and the full implications of it, and the question before the parliament.

“I will have more to say when I have read the report.”

Originally published as Opponents reaction to Macquarie Point Stadium planning report