Sour note: TSO worried about noise from stadium affecting concerts

Another opponent has emerged who is voicing their concerns over the proposed Macquarie Point stadium. Here’s why.

Caroline Sharpen CEO Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra with John Hardy CEO RSL Tasmania. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The proposed Macquarie Point stadium is being built in “a terrible location” which would compromise the Federation Concert Hall and should be shifted elsewhere, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra says.

TSO chief executive officer Caroline Sharpen speaks to the media at the Hobart Cenotaph in Hobart on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

Joining the Returned and Services League to launch plans for a vigil at the Hobart Cenotaph, TSO chief executive officer Caroline Sharpen said noise impacts from the stadiums construction and operation had not been properly taken into account.

“We’re certain there must be a less terrible location for our new stadium. Tasmania is one of the least densely built-up corners of the world,” she said.

“Surely, there is a spot that does not compromise our state concert hall, our Cenotaph and war memorial, and the famous maritime heritage of our waterfront.

“We’ve done a lot of searching and we’re yet to find another example of a government anywhere in the world prepared to build a 23,000-seat stadium 170m from the perimeter of their state performing arts centre.

“Concerns about the impact of the stadium location on the orchestra’s viability appear to have fallen on deaf ears, despite the TSO’s extensive participation through official channels and POSS processes.”

Renders of Macquarie Point stadium. Picture: Cox Architecture.

Renders of Macquarie Point stadium. Picture: Cox Architecture.

Ms Sharpen said the Devils needed a purpose-built stadium, just as our orchestra has its purpose-built concert hall, recording and broadcast facilities but a “common sense rethink” of the stadium’s proposed location is needed.

“The TSO is recognised as one of the world’s great small orchestras and one of Australia’s premier cultural exports. It is the most recorded, broadcast, filmed and streamed orchestra in Australia, with its performances and recordings heard throughout the world.

“From its home on Hobart’s waterfront in the Federation Concert Hall, the TSO performs hundreds of concerts and events across Tasmania and reaches millions of listeners annually via radio, recordings and streaming.

“We’ve exhausted our official options and now we’re asking the Tasmanian community to stand with us in calling for a better option for our new stadium.”

The TSO will join with the RSL for a vigil to commemorate the Cenotaph’s importance on November 10.

RSL Tasmania CEO CEO John Hardy speaks to the media at the Cenotaph in Hobart on Thursday October 3, 2024.

“Come and experience the Cenotaph in all its glory while you still have the chance,” RSL Tasmania CEO Mr John Hardy said.

“The proposed Mac 1.0 stadium plans will destroy that and many other sightlines.

“Are we prepared to desecrate and humiliate this most sacred of places?”

Arts Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said she would talk with the TSO about their concerns on Friday.

“I’m here for the arts, I’m the arts minister. I’m a huge fan and supporter of the TSO

“I’ve been in communication with Caroline and with the TSO to work through the challenges which are real and genuine that they have in relation to the stadium issue.

“I will actually be meeting with the leadership of the TSO this week to plot a pathway forward.

“I want to advocate for the TSO and what they need to go forward with this project, to make sure that we’re doing all we can to address and remediate any of the challenges and the issues that they have raised.”

Greens MLC Cassy O’Connor said the government wasn’t listening to those most affected by the stadium.

“The Liberals’ have already given the middle finger to Tasmanian Aboriginal people by abandoning a promised truth and reconciliation park at Macquarie Point, then veterans by committing to a massive, roofed stadium beside the Cenotaph.

“Now our much-loved Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is pleading for a rethink on the stadium’s location.

“It’s yet another sure sign Macquarie Point is the wrong place to home the Devils’ AFL and AFLW teams.”