Thousands of Tasmanians have taken to the streets to show their support for the proposed multi-purpose Hobart stadium, with organisers saying the “silent majority” is finally making its voice heard.
Mark Brown, founder of the ‘YES AFL TEAM – YES STADIUM’ Facebook group, organised the rally, which had been in the works for months and scheduled on a weekend with no local footy.
Despite worries that wet weather might dampen the turnout, Brown said the crowd exceeded all expectations.
They marched from the TCA Ground at Queens Domain to North Hobart Oval.
Thousands have marched in support of the Macquarie Point stadium. Image / Pulse
“The silent majority have now spoken up,” he told reporters.
“The Greens, the independents who are against the stadium – they don’t speak for me. They don’t speak for the over 23,000 people in my group. They don’t speak for the people who showed up today.”
Young ‘Yes! Stadium’ supporters with signs in support of the project. Image / Pulse
Brown said pro-development voices had “sat back and not had a voice” for too long, while the “loud minority” of opponents dominated headlines and airtime.
The march came as Tasmanians headed to the polls, with the stadium a major election issue. Brown called on opponents to offer a clear alternative for boosting the state’s economy.
“If you’re going to vote against the stadium, what’s your alternative to bring in over $200 million into our economy a year?” he asked.
“If we don’t build a stadium, we don’t have this money coming in that we can put further money into healthcare, education, housing.”
Thousands of Tasmanians rallied for the proposed Hobart stadium. Image / Pulse
He pointed to an independent Hobart City Council report that estimated construction would pump half a billion dollars into the local economy over four years.
A long-time Labor supporter, Brown said the stadium debate was enough to make him turn Liberal because of Labor’s initial anti-stadium stance.
“It was only with this issue, with the stadium when it was first announced, that I’ve switched sides,” he said.
The Liberals have pledged to push ahead with the stadium and its supporting legislation if re-elected.
Stadium supporters cross Brooker Avenue bound for North Hobart Oval. Image / Pulse
Labor leader Dean Winter has also stated his unconditional support for the project and enabling legislation.
The Greens, meanwhile, have vowed to block the stadium at every turn.
Thousands of Tasmanians rallied for the proposed Hobart stadium. Image / Pulse
These young football players support a stadium at Macquarie Point. Image / Pulse
Participants marched from TCA Ground to North Hobart Oval. Image / Pulse
Stadium supporters Gwenda Walker, Madeleine Ogilvie and Tiana Brown. Image / Pulse