Macquarie Point stadium: Stadium plan off to Planning Commission after Legislative Council vote

The proposed Macquarie Point stadium has been referred to the Tasmanian Planning Commission for assessment, with Premier Rockliff welcoming the move as a step in turning ‘dreams into a reality’.

Hobart, Wednesday 8th November 2023. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff at IMAS ahead of the Women in Antarctica Conference. Picture: Linda Higginson

The state government has welcomed the Legislative Council’s decision to refer the proposed Macquarie Point Stadium to the Tasmanian Planning Commission for assessment.

The Upper House on Wednesday approved an order referring the $710m stadium to the Commission as a Project of State Significance.

Its construction is part of a deal the state government has struck with the Australian Football League for Tasmania-based AFL and AFLW teams.

The order was backed by government and Labor members and independents Dean Harriss and Tanya Rattray and passed 9-5.

The dissenting members were Mike Gaffney, Ruth Forrest, Rosemary Armitage, Rob Valentine and Meg Webb.

An artist’s impression of a stadium at Macquarie Point.

The Tasmanian Planning Commission will undertake an integrated assessment including broad environmental, social and economic considerations of the project, Mr Rockliff said.

The next step in the Project of State Significance process will be the development of guidelines for the assessment by the Tasmanian Planning Commission over the coming four months.

It is expected the development of the guidelines will include public consultation.

Mr Rockliff said the vote was a step forward for the project.

“The multipurpose stadium at Mac Point will be the centrepiece of this important precinct, unlocking investment and jobs,” he said.

“The approval of this order will help progress the Mac Point Stadium as a Project of State Significance, to turn dreams into a reality.”

“Our Government is delivering on our long-term plan to create jobs and opportunity for Tasmanian families and build more connected communities,” the Premier said.

Independent lower house MPs Lara Alexander and John Tucker welcomed the Legislative Council vote.

Independent member for Bass Lara Alexander and Independent for Lyons John Tucker. Question time in the Tasmanian parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“When we left the Liberal Party, we said that government secrecy around the AFL stadium – and the deal signed with the AFL in regard to a Tasmanian licence – and Marinus Link were key concerns behind our decision,” Mrs Alexander said.

“We made clear our intention to achieve Parliamentary scrutiny and oversight of both.”

“The Joint Select Committee on Marinus Link we wanted was unanimously endorsed by both Houses,” Mr Tucker said.

“Parliament, like the community, is sick of government secrecy and sick of the out-of-control spending that has resulted in record debt and deficits and a tax attack on every Tasmanian every time they turn the light on or boil the kettle.”

Mrs Alexander said the Legislative Council vote was a welcome victory for the Tasmanian community because it will give parliament the final say on the stadium.

“Any decision on the Macquarie Point stadium arising out of the POSS process will have no effect until approved by both Houses,” Mrs Alexander said.

“That is very important because the Premier has signed a blank cheque to cover the demands of the AFL and they’re planning to send this bill to Tasmanian taxpayers.”