Survey shows majority still opposed to Mac Point stadium

A majority of Mercury readers continue to oppose the proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point but have a keen interest in one other growing project, the Big Issues survey has revealed.

Hobart stadium interior view without crowd. Proposed Macquarie Point stadium by SolutionsWon Group Picture: SolutionsWon Group

A majority of Mercury readers continue to oppose the proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point, the Big Issues survey has revealed.

The latest edition of the Mercury’s online survey has revealed Tasmanians are passionate for sport in general — and for the AFL in particular — but are yet to be sold on the stadium.

The latest edition of the opt-in survey revealed that 54.8 per cent of 3033 respondents were against the stadium.

The figure was 55.4 per cent in 2023 — although both represent a solid drop in opposition from the 70 per cent opposition recorded in the 2022 survey.

Jacqui Lambie has hit back at the AFL over a proposed Tasmanian stadium, telling them to “stick it”. The independent Tasmanian Senator slammed the government over the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium in Hobart, saying “it is not viable.” “The state government needs to go and tell the AFL where to stick it right now and tell them it's not going to play the game,” she said on Monday. Picture: Supplied

The survey was taken in December — before Friday’s release of the damning independent Gruen report raised questions about the stadium’s location, likely cost blowouts and financial viability.

The Liberal minority government has vowed to press ahead with the proposal regardless.

This year’s survey revealed 76 per cent of respondents were happy Tasmania has been granted an AFL licence — just under the 79 per cent last year.

And 48 per cent said they were planning to buy a membership, down slightly from 52 per cent.

Support for the JackJumpers was down five points to 68 per cent year-on-year and 84 per cent of respondents said the state government should prioritise funding for participation sports, rather than elite sports.

Most respondents were keen to nominate their favourite sport, with some nominating several.

AFL came out as the state’s favourite sport, with 598 votes, including 93 for “football” and nine for “footy”.

Renders of Macquarie Point stadium. Picture: Cox Architecture. **Hobart stadium, Mac Point stadium, new Tasmania AFL stadium

Cricket followed with 268 nominations, followed by soccer with 186, tennis with 133 and basketball, 107.

Rounding out the top ten was golf (72), swimming (70), sailing (69) motor racing (63) and ruby league or union (55)

Hockey, cycling, fishing, bushwalking, surfing and netball followed, while at the bottom of the list two respondents nominated croquet, and one each declaring their passion for the lesser known sports of highland dance, roller derby, couch sitting, sleeping, and “answering Mercury questionnaires”.

Originally published as Survey shows majority still opposed to Mac Point stadium