A new player has entered the stadium chat with a nascent community group backing York Park.

The newly-formed group say they wish to give the community an outlet to express their discontent and concerns about the Rockliff government’s approach to accelerating approvals through Parliament for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart.

York Park Alliance (YPA) believe that an upgraded northern facility – currently branded UTAS Stadium – is a better solution.

The formation of the group comes after recent EMRS polling which indicated strong opposition to an expensive southern stadium in the top half of the state.

Poll figures recorded 65% of north-west residents and 67% of northerners as being opposed to the troubled project.

Political backers of the group include sitting MHA for Braddon Craig Garland, unsuccessful federal election independent candidate Adam Martin and Greens’ candidate for Montgomery Dr Darren Briggs.

When Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, announced $65m federal funding for York Park upgrades in Launceston 28 April 2023, then Labor Leader and recently-elected MHR for Lyons, Rebecca White said: “An upgrade to York Park is a much more sensible investment than building a brand-new stadium in Hobart.”

YPA believes York Park remains the most sensible investment for the state.

Former Hawthorn Football Club President Jeff Kennett has several times made the case that York Park is the best option for Tasmania. Hobart-based community lobby Our Place also supports York Park as the main playing venue for the Devils.

“We call on the Premier and the Tasmanian government to advance the alternative York Park stadium vision with better funding, so all Tasmanians can say ‘Yes Stadium, Yes Team’,” a spokesperson said.

“Stop dividing the community over the controversial and fiscally irresponsible stadium and scrap the project immediately. Unite the community around the Tasmania Devils AFL and AFLW teams and base both teams in Launceston.”

Following last Saturday’s mass rally in Hobart condemning the stadium project for its cost, scale and abuse of process, YPA are holding their own rally in the north-west.

YPA’s ‘Stop the New Stadium’ rally will be this Saturday 17 May at 11:30 outside Jeremy Rockliff’s Braddon Electorate Office at 43 Best St, Devonport.

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