Supporters of proposed Macquarie Point stadium rally ahead of crucial vote

For the second weekend in a row, Tasmania's proposed Macquarie Point stadium has drawn a large crowd to Hobart's parliament lawns — this time to stand in support of the project.

On December 4, Tasmania's Legislative Council will vote on whether to approve or reject a 23,000-seat stadium, bringing years of debate to an end.

Katrina Devereux believes a stadium will bring growth to the state "and a future for our children".

"My son's actually left [the state] because there's nothing for us in Tasmania. We actually need things for the young people," she said.

"I've got two little grandchildren, so yes, we're very passionate about the stadium."

A similar reason compelled Emma McQueen to attend.

"I feel like we have nothing in Tassie and it's about time we got something to help build the revenue for everything else," Ms McQueen said.

Tasmania Police estimated "potentially up to 15,000 people" attended Sunday's rally.

Organiser of last week's anti-stadium rally Roland Browne said a "similar-sized crowd" gathered last Sunday.

Police estimated that 1,500 people were at the anti-stadium rally.

In a speech to the pro-stadium rally, Premier Jeremy Rockliff thanked those who gathered.

"I couldn't be prouder," Mr Rockliff said.

"To those who have travelled from any corner of the state, to the mums to the dads, to the nans to the pops, the boys and the girls, from every corner of our wonderful state, to make sure that your voice was heard loud and clear."

Stadium project divisive

The $1.13 billion multipurpose stadium to be built on Hobart's waterfront has divided the state since it was first proposed.

Its impact on Tasmania's worsening debt position remains among the chief concerns.

Other concerns are its size, unanswered questions about public transport, and its cost. 

In September, the state's planning commission released a scathing report recommending the project not proceed, saying it was "too big for the site and the benefits it will bring are significantly outweighed by the disbenefits it creates".

It cited economic, planning and heritage grounds among its reasons to not proceed.

Their recommendation was rejected by the state government, which described some of the panel's concerns as "matters of opinion and choice".

At the time, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the report has "massively underestimated" the proposed precinct's economic and social value.

The AFL has repeatedly stated that the construction of the $1.13 billion roofed stadium is a non-negotiable condition for the entry of the Tasmanian Devils team into the national competition.

'Now or never', supporters say

Daryl and Charlene Williams echoed a widely held sentiment that the stadium would help inspire future generations.

Mr Williams had faith in the project's perceived economic benefits, including as a concert venue.

"I think we will make our money back. It might take 10 years, but I think it would be good," he said.

Mr Williams said he feared the state "won't get another chance" if the stadium was voted down.

The government changed laws last year to allow the parliament to have the final say on the project of state significance process.

Last month, an order to approve the stadium passed Tasmania's lower house with a vote of 25 to nine, following a six-hour debate.

The final vote is set to take place this week in Tasmania's upper house.

If approved, the proposal is expected to go out for tender in early 2026 in order for construction to begin, with the stadium expected to be finished in time for the 2029 AFL men's season.