Supporters of proposed Macquarie Point stadium rally ahead of crucial vote

For the second weekend in a row, Tasmania’s proposed Macquarie Point stadium has drawn a large crowd to Hobart’s parliament lawns — this time to stand in support of the project.

On December 4, Tasmania’s Legislative Council will vote on whether to approve or reject a 23,000-seat stadium, bringing years of debate to an end.

Katrina Devereux believes a stadium will bring growth to the state “and a future for our children”.

“My son’s actually left [the state] because there’s nothing for us in Tasmania. We actually need things for the young people,” she said.

“I’ve got two little grandchildren, so yes, we’re very passionate about the stadium.”

Emma McQueen (left) and Katrina Devereux want to see development in Tasmania. (ABC News: Jessica Moran)

A similar reason compelled Emma McQueen to attend.

“I feel like we have nothing in Tassie and it’s about time we got something to help build the revenue for everything else,” Ms McQueen said.

Stadium project divisive

The $1.13 billion multipurpose stadium to be built on Hobart’s waterfront has divided the state since it was first proposed.

Yes or no? Hobart sits at the crossroad of two futures

Since its inception, the stadium project has divided the Hobart community in a tug of war between development and preservation of its historic waterfront. In just days, the door will shut forever on one side of the debate.

Its impact on Tasmania’s worsening debt position remains among the chief concerns.

Other concerns are its size, unanswered questions about public transport, and its cost. 

In September, the state’s planning commission released a scathing report recommending the project not proceed, saying it was “too big for the site and the benefits it will bring are significantly outweighed by the disbenefits it creates”.

It cited economic, planning and heritage grounds among its reasons to not proceed.

Their recommendation was rejected by the state government, which described some of the panel’s concerns as “matters of opinion and choice”.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the report has “massively underestimated” the proposed precinct’s economic and social value.

An artist’s impression of the seating bowl at the proposed Macquarie Point stadium. (Supplied: MPDC)

The AFL has repeatedly stated that the construction of the $1.13 billion roofed stadium is a non-negotiable condition for the entry of the Tasmanian Devils team into the national competition.

‘Now or never’, supporters say

Daryl and Charlene Williams echoed a widely held sentiment that the stadium would help inspire future generations.

Hobart anti-stadium protest calls on upper house to ‘do the right thing’

Protesters against a proposed stadium in Hobart says they “don’t want the waterfront transformed into Disneyland” and urge parliament’s upper house to scrap the project.

Mr Williams had faith in the project’s perceived economic benefits, including as a concert venue.

“I think we will make our money back. It might take 10 years, but I think it would be good,” he said.

Mr Williams said he feared the state “won’t get another chance” if the stadium was voted down.

“For the AFL side, if not now, then it’ll never be,”

he said.

Daryl and Charlene Williams fear the state “won’t get another chance” if the stadium is voted down. (ABC News: Jessica Moran)

The government changed laws last year to allow the parliament to have the final say on the project of state significance process.

Last month, an order to approve the stadium passed Tasmania’s lower house with a vote of 25 to nine, following a six-hour debate.

The final vote is set to take place this week in Tasmania’s upper house.

If approved, the proposal is expected to go out for tender in early 2026 in order for construction to begin.

The stadium is expected to be finished in time for the 2029 AFL men’s season.

The issue has divided the community. (ABC News)