Simon Behrakis says anti-stadium groups shouldn’t resort to vandalism to make a point

Last week it was a banner on a well known Hobart landmark, this week a waterfront bridge has been the target of anti-stadium vandals, and one Hobart alderman says it needs to stop. DETAILS >>

Anti-stadium vandalism at Franklin Wharf. Picture: Supplied.

A Hobart City alderman has slammed an anti-stadium message painted on a bridge at Franklin Wharf, saying no one should resort to vandalism to make a political message.

Written above the bridge was “HOUSING NOT STADIUM” in large red letters

“Regardless of what people’s views are on the stadium, vandalising public property to make a political point is just not on,” Mr Behrakis said.

“It’s public property that will require public money to repair.”

City of Hobart Councillors, Simon Behrakis. Picture: Chris Kidd

It comes after a large banner which read “NO STADIUM” appeared on the gasworks chimney, visible to motorists heading into the Hobart CBD along Davey St.

“Last week it was a heritage listed building, this week a heritage listed bridge,” Mr Behrakis said.

“There is still rigging and ropes left over that would make it easy to scale the building again.

“The removal of that rigging will end up coming at a cost to the property owner.”

Mr Behrakis questioned the motives of the vandals.

“I think it’s a bit rich to hear housing as the justification for this action,” he said.

“The anti-everything brigade has form in opposing hundreds of dwellings in Hobart from being built, including the housing planned for essential healthcare workers at Regatta Point.”

TasPorts closed Constitution Dock to pedestrian and vehicle traffic for two hours on Thursday to remove the grafitti.

“TasPorts was made aware of the incident early [on Thursday] and condemns the act as dangerous and irresponsible,” TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said.