Pro-stadium rally outpoints opposition ahead of vote
Supporters of a proposed AFL stadium in Tasmania have outmaneuvered their opposition ahead of a do-or-die parliamentary vote.
A crowd of thousands filled the lawns outside the parliament building on Sunday afternoon, a week after an anti-stadium protest at the same spot.
The construction of a 23,000-seat roofed venue at Macquarie Point is a condition of the Tasmanian Devils entering the AFL and AFLW in 2028.
Tasmania’s upper house will debate and vote on Wednesday and Thursday on whether to approve the $1.13 billion project, with the outcome dependent on two or three undecided independents.
Prime Minister Jeremy Rockliff told the rally: “When the team was announced in May 2023 it was a unifying moment for our state.”
“But there were people who said no. ‘No brigade’ looked like you were going to win another war and slam the door with desire, but you stood up.
“You stood for something positive, and in doing so you created a grassroots movement like I have never seen in my life.”
Tasmanian Police estimated the crowd at 15,000, compared to 1500 people at the ‘no’ rally.
Anti-stadium organizers dispute this figure, and eyewitnesses report that attendance at the “yes” rally was slightly higher, but not ten times greater.
While Mr Rockliff claimed unity behind the AFL team, the stadium sharply divided the state.
While surveys showed overwhelming opposition to the stadium from the community, the planning commission report recommended that the stadium not go ahead.
He said the stadium was too big for the field, its costs outweighed its benefits and would add $1.8 billion in debt to the state budget over a decade.
Penguin Football Club president Brian Lane said there was no hope for football in Tasmania if the stadium was not approved.
“The stadium at Macquarie Point is more than a building; it’s a statement that Tasmania belongs on the national stage,” he said.
Tasmanian-born Melbourne Football Club board member and former player Brad Green said there was a lot of support for the Devils from AFL clubs.
Mr Rockliff said he was confident “the job will get done”.
“A decision will be reached by the end of this week, after all the conversations, all the studies, all the discussions and opinions,” he said.
“It’s a decision that will define Tasmania for generations.”
Christine Finnegan, chief executive of Tasmania JackJumpers, which has captured the island’s attention since joining the NBL in 2021, said the state was ready for the AFL.
“JackJumpers has given Tasmania so much to cheer about and be proud of,” he said.
“Imagine when we do this again, the first time the Devils will be beaten at Macquarie Point.”
Bec Thomas, an undecided upper house independent, said on Friday she had asked her mother to review more than 1,600 correspondence about the stadium.
“I truly appreciate everyone’s patience and messages of support as we work through this important decision,” he wrote on social media.
“I’ll let you know when I find out.”
