UPDATE: Anti-stadium politicians from Tasmania have taken their fight directly to the AFL headquarters, demanding answers about the controversial $1.13 billion Hobart stadium project. In a critical meeting held on Wednesday, key figures emphasized the urgent need for reconsideration ahead of the upcoming parliamentary vote in December.
The construction of the stadium is pivotal for the Tasmania Devils to enter the AFL and AFLW competitions by 2028. Although the governing Liberals and the Labor opposition support the project, it faces fierce opposition from the Greens and influential crossbench independents. The fate of the stadium hangs in the balance, with a crucial upper-house vote approaching.
During a 30-minute meeting with AFL officials, including COO Tom Harley, Greens MPs Vica Bayley and Cassy O’Connor, along with independents Kristie Johnston and Peter George, the politicians voiced their concerns. “We had some frank conversations. They were very clear their position is no stadium, no team,” Johnston stated, urging the AFL to reconsider its stance given new evidence highlighting the stadium’s negative impact on Tasmanians.
The Tasmanian Planning Commission recently determined that the stadium’s costs outweigh its benefits, citing a potential debt of $1.8 billion over a decade. The commission’s findings are critical as they underscore the challenges facing the project, which is already slated for a vote in the lower house, where it is expected to pass due to bipartisan support.
Despite the growing opposition, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff remains confident. “There are 18 other AFL clubs that demand their players play in the best facilities possible,” he told reporters, reiterating the link between the stadium and the team’s viability. The AFL, maintaining its firm stance, expressed anticipation for the parliamentary vote, with Harley acknowledging the diverse views presented during the meeting.
The pressure is mounting as public sentiment grows against the stadium. The project’s journey to approval is fraught with uncertainty, particularly in the upper house, where several independent MPs have yet to declare their positions.
As the December vote approaches, stakeholders on both sides are preparing for what could be a decisive moment for Tasmanian football. The outcome will not only affect the future of the Tasmania Devils but also the financial landscape of the state as it grapples with potential debt and public opinion.
With the clock ticking, all eyes are now on the Tasmanian parliament and the critical decisions that lie ahead. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
