Ms O'CONNOR question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
In the inadequate set of documents you tabled on 1 June, a key view line of the stadium is missing from the Liminal architecture report on the visual impact of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium: the view from across Constitution Dock and Salamanca towards the sacred ground of the Cenotaph. Is that because the stadium would clearly be shown as a monstrous eyesore looming over the docks?
Can you confirm, if it is built, that the stadium would be more than double the height of the IXL building and Hunter Street Arts Building? What are you trying to hide about the visual impact of your Macquarie Point folly?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for her question. We are just at the very beginning of the process. We need to design the plan. Should the project of state significance matter go through both Houses of parliament, that sets in train very detailed planning around economics, around the social and environmental aspects of the stadium, and for a contemporary design that is Tasmanian through and through and brings forward all the qualities that are great about Tasmania. The uniqueness. MONA-esque. This could be truly something very iconic. The design is important.
Ms O'Connor - Looming over Constitution Dock. Massively.
Mr SPEAKER - Ms O'Connor, order.
Mr ROCKLIFF - I have seen some of the concept designs from those opposing the economic opportunity.
Dr Woodruff - Why have you not shown us what the Government's modelling has prepared? Why have you not shown it?
Mr SPEAKER - Order. Premier has the call.
Mr ROCKLIFF - We need to work through the design process. The stadium has not been designed yet. We need to actually go through the planning process, and part of that is of course the design - something that could be truly Tasmanian, iconic, a boutique 23 000-seat stadium that can realise and increase Tasmania's potential - our tourism potential, our convention potential. The investment attraction that it will bring. Private investment. These are all opportunities and highlight the potential that an investment will bring. The design potential. The opportunity for Tasmanians to contribute to the design as well, Ms O'Connor.
Some of the concepts I have seen from those who oppose the stadium are breathtaking when I see the enormity of scale and scare tactics the no-case to the stadium has presented.
We are just at the beginning of the process.
Dr Woodruff - How do you how much it will cost, then, if you have not designed it? How do you know? You are telling us it is going to cost -
Mr SPEAKER - Member for Franklin, order.
Mr ROCKLIFF - I look forward to engagement with the Tasmanian community, engagement with the stakeholders, and ensure we consult with the Tasmanian community.
The Tasmanian community can be very proud of the entire Macquarie Point urban renewal precinct, including a stadium, and all the opportunities that it will bring. It is your relentless negativity, which I expect from the Greens, and saying no to opportunity - but I do not expect that from the Labor Party, who are simply playing politics with jobs, with opportunity, and Tasmania's potential.