A major roadblock possibly preventing Tasmania Devils from joining the AFL has been circumvented with the Macquarie Point stadium to be built in Hobart as Tasmania Parliament prepares to approve the project.
The new franchise is set to join the competition in 2028, but only if a 23,000-seat roofed stadium was built in the state's capital.
Concerns had been raised that the costs of the new stadium were blowing out and it's potential construction was under threat - therefore putting the Devils' future in jeopardy.
But three Tasmanian key independents - Bec Thomas, Casey Hiscutt and Tania Rattray - have indicated they will support the building of the venue, and with three Liberal and three Labor members also backing the project, a clear majority of nine of the 15 votes in the Legislative Council support the stadium.
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“I will be supporting this order and the future of our state,” Hiscutt said.
“My decision goes beyond the statements, beyond the reports, beyond the spreadsheets.
“It goes beyond the fear of the unknown and the unease of change.”
Thomas stated; “With all my heart I have wanted to support this project.
“But I remain deeply aware of the community’s mixed feelings about it. Many Tasmanians are worried about the cost, location, and whether the benefits will truly flow to local people. Those concerns are valid.
“All the public focus has been on who will back the stadium. For me, the question has been under what conditions could it possibly earn support. That’s why my support for the project is strictly conditional on economic, governance, design and community safeguards that seek to protect the welfare of Tasmanians.”
While the new stadium will predominantly host the Devils in AFL action, it also plans to be a cricket venue and become the first venue to host a Test match indoors.