RSL says it has been ‘deceived and misled’ about Macquarie Point stadium proposal by Tasmanian government

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The peak body representing war veterans in Tasmania has ramped up its opposition stadium at Macquarie Point. RSL Tasmania has written to the premier warning that the project could desecrate the Hobart Cenotaph, which it regards as scared.

Transcript

00:00Each year thousands gather at Hobart's Cenotaph for the Anzac Day dawn service and other commemorations.

00:15This is where we gather for Remembrance Day. This is where we gather to remember those

00:19that gave the ultimate sacrifice. That's why it's sacred.

00:23But John Hardy, who heads RSL Tasmania, says plans for a new stadium at nearby Macquarie

00:29Point will have an unacceptable impact on Australia's oldest war memorial.

00:35Three of these sight lines that were laid down by our forefathers and foremothers will

00:39be completely destroyed by this stadium.

00:44Concept designs for the 23,000 seat stadium were released earlier this month. They show

00:50the domed, translucent roof will reach more than 50 metres in height, almost 10 metres

00:55taller than originally envisaged.

00:58How can we honestly say we don't want to disrespect the Cenotaph when we just add height all the

01:05time?

01:06In a sternly worded letter to the Premier, the RSL boss says the stadium will dwarf the

01:11Cenotaph and to destroy these sight lines is to desecrate, humiliate and pay little

01:17more than lip service to our sacred place.

01:21The RSL says it supports the new AFL team in Tasmania and the need for a stadium in

01:27Hobart. It just doesn't want it built here at Macquarie Point.

01:33But the Macquarie Point Development Corporation says the location will only have a partial

01:38impact on two sight lines. It also insists the stadium won't affect views from the Cenotaph,

01:45including the setting or rising of the sun.

01:47We will keep working with the RSL. We're really aware of how they're feeling and really wanting

01:53to work with them and take into account their thoughts.

01:57Additional concept designs are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

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