Tasmanian parliament is expected to approve the construction of the $1.13 billion Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart, allowing the Tasmania Devils to become the AFL’s 19th club.
The state’s upper house has begun its final debate on whether to approve the 23,000-seat roofed stadium after months of concerns over the rising cost of the build, and whether the Apple Isle could afford it.
Criticially, independent MLC Bec Thomas confirmed on Wednesday morning she would support the stadium.
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With eight votes required in the 15-person Legislative Council, the pro-stadium camp now includes three Liberals, three from Labor including upper house president Craig Farrell and Thomas.
However Farrell, as the upper house president, is traditionally required to vote no on tied votes meaning 7-7 would not be enough for the stadium to get up.
Thomas’ fellow independents Casey Hiscutt and Tania Rattray have previously spoken in favour of the stadium and unless they have changed their minds are expected to approve its construction as well.
The upper house will debate the stadium over Wednesday and Thursday, depending on how long MLCs speak, with the final vote likely to occur late on Thursday.
Thomas’ approval of the stadium has come contingent on the government committing to “safeguards” including a fixed cost cap on the state’s contribution of $875 million, independent watchdogs and experts, additional grassroots sport funding and targets for local jobs.
“With all my heart I have wanted to support this project,” she said.
“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.”
The AFL has consistently declared without the new stadium the Devils would not go ahead.
They are scheduled to begin play in both AFL and AFLW in 2028, before moving into the Macquarie Point stadium to begin the 2029 season.