Housing, events make for bad mix at Macquarie Point, says tourism chief Luke Martin

There are better places to build housing than Macquarie Point, the state’s tourism chief says as he reiterates support for a footy stadium. HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR POLL

Tourism Industry of Tasmania CEO Luke Martin (left) isn’t a fan of the new Macquarie Point Vision released this week by a group of Tasmanian identities including author Richard Flanagan (right).

Macquarie Point could be a home for events or housing, but not both, the head of the state’s tourism lobby says.

Tourism Industry of Tasmania CEO Luke Martin says mixing residential development and a space for public events was an mix doomed to failure.

His comments came after the release of the Macquarie Point Vision by a group of prominent Tasmanians.

“The one consistent aspiration since day on for Macquarie Point is that it be a place for events and public gatherings, and the reality is that is highly problematic alongside mass housing.

“It is literally an either-or: housing or events space,” Mr Martin said.

“The stadium and major events venue isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it is a real costed proposal, with clear economic and cultural outcomes that will revitalise that site and Hobart for decades to come.

Mr Martin has been an enthusiastic supporter of the state government’s plans for an AFL stadium on the site, saying it be a big boost for hospitality and events.

He rejected criticism from prominent author Richard Flanagan that stadium proponents cared little about homelessness.

“If Richard Flanagan is so concerned about the housing crisis, rather than sledge the advocates for the stadium, perhaps he could reconsider his own vocal opposition to the University’s move into the city,” Mr Martin said.

“One of the big benefits of that project is it will free up so much fantastic residential land in Sandy Bay for literally hundreds of new housing lots.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff on Thursday backed the stadium plan and team bid.

“This is an island that can do everything and an island that should not miss out on opportunity that other states have a part of and as Premier of Tasmania I will not say no to an opportunity, no matter how difficult that may well be politically,” he said.

Mr Martin offered a lighthearted proposal of his own for the eventual development at Macquarie Point.

“If nothing else happens at Macquarie Point, we should at least build a museum to display all the impressive artist renderings produced over the years,” he said.