Greens Cenotaph bill could affect Macquarie Point Stadium plans

The Greens have unveiled a push to ban any development which adversely impacts on the Hobart Cenotaph, including the Macquarie Point stadium. Here’s how it would work.

Renders showing the impact of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium from the Hobart Cenotaph released by the Macquarie Point Development Corporation.

The Greens have unveiled a draft bill which would ban any development which adversely impacted on the Hobart Cenotaph.

The legislation, if passed by state parliament, could prove to be an obstacle to the proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium.

Unveiled on Tuesday by Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley, the Hobart Cenotaph Bill 2024 prohibits the approval of any development which “adversely impacts on the cultural heritage and reverential ambience of the Hobart Cenotaph and its surrounds or unreasonably impact on Hobart Cenotaph sightlines”.

The RSL has raised concerns about the proposed stadium blocking views of the Cenotaph from several key vantage points.

Mr Bayley said the bill had been drafted at the request of the RSL and the Friends of Soldiers Memorial Avenue.

He said the bill would ensure that longstanding protections for the values of the Cenotaph are enshrined in law.

“The protections would apply to all developments, no matter the assessment pathway, and would override the Project of State Significance process,” Mr Bayley said.

Tasmanian Greens Leader Vica Bayley at Hobart Cenotaph with Cassy O’Connor MLC. Picture: Linda Higginson

“We’ve made no secret of the fact this bill is designed to protect the Cenotaph from the Liberals’ Macquarie Point stadium.

“However, it is drafted to ensure this historic site will be protected from any development that would impact its special values.

“For decades Macquarie Point has had a 15-metre height limit for new developments, which has helped protect the heritage values of the precinct and Cenotaph.

“The proposed stadium will tower over this limit at 54 metres high – higher even than the size the Premier originally proposed.

“It’s size and bulk will trash Hobart’s heritage and visual values from many different vantage points, including the Cenotaph.”

The bill’s passage will require a majority in both houses. A Greens bill to legalise begging was passed by the parliament last week.

A government spokesman pooh-poohed the bill.

“This is a political stunt from the Greens that is 100 per cent about stopping the stadium and nothing to do with supporting our veteran community,” he said.

The legislation is open for consultation until September 29 via the Tasmanian Greens MP’s website.