Mayor accused of grandstanding
HOBART Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has come up with four “better ways” to spend $1bn than on a stadium at Macquarie Point.
In a lengthy newsletter article headed “How to spend a billion bucks in Hobart”, Ms stresses that the views are her opinions and not those of the council, which has not yet met to discuss the stadium.
The council was briefed on the proposal in December.
Ms Reynolds proposes spending $440m on the Truth and Reconciliation Park and an 8000 to 10,000-seat entertainment and convention
centre at Macquarie Point, $240m for urgent port upgrades, up to $150m to upgrade Blundstone Arena to a 19,000-seat stadium and $210m for light rail and trackless trams.
“By law, while I can express strong views, I have an obligation to fairly consider all the information before I make a decision,” she wrote.
She said there was no doubt that Premier Jeremy Rockliff wanted to “create something significant for Hobart”.
“However I’m concerned that this project, unheard of until put on the agenda by AFL executives, may not deliver
what he hopes it will for the city.”
In the newsletter, Ms Reynolds asks and answers 10 questions about the stadium including looking at other options and what effect it would have on Macquarie Point and the Hobart Cenotaph.
“Once the construction jobs pass, many stadiums don’t generate many jobs because the sites are quite under-utilised,” she said.
“The government’s business case suggests the new stadium will be used for 44 days a year, which includes just seven AFL games.”
Ms Reynolds said she had received many positive emails
since distributi ng the newsletter and that “the business case speaks
for itself”.
However, Hobart alderman Simon Behrakis accused Ms Reynolds of “trying to chase headlines” and said she was quick to suggest developments for other municipalities.
“This will be one of the largest single investments in the city’s history,” he said.
“There are a lot of strong
opinions on the stadium and it is important Hobart is part of the conversation.
“We need a mature and sober discussion and not a political email campaign.
“It is not our job to take on the role of activist when we are a level of government with a seat at the table.”
Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said his council was keen to “engage all stakeholders” on the stadium.
“Bellerive is the jewel in our sporting crown but we need to look at the best long term needs of all Tasmanians,” he said. “With due respect to the Lord Mayor we’ll take professional advice on that.”