The conversation about stadiums in Tasmania has largely focused on the controversial Macquarie Point development in Hobart. But the Devonport council wants to build its own $60 million multi-sports precinct. And while the northwest project has many supporters, it’s also got critics.
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00:00This basketball camp at Ulverston is a highlight of these kids' school holidays.
00:07The success of Tasmania's NBL team has spurred more to take up the sport.
00:11Scott Russell is the secretary of the Devonport Warriors.
00:14Our growth, I think, on the back of the jack jumpers has certainly been exceptional.
00:20The team will soon get a new home if the Devonport Council's $60 million development is approved.
00:26I've got teams and kids on waiting lists, so to go to a four-court community centre
00:31and then having another double-court facility will be certainly a bonus for our sport.
00:37The facility will have mixed-use indoor and outdoor courts, space for events and administration,
00:43and will be built next to an existing football and cricket oval and cycling track.
00:48Although sporting clubs are excited, not everyone is a fan.
00:52Shane Warren lives across the road and says he is one of about 80 residents concerned
00:57about the effect on parking, green space and the amenity of the neighbourhood.
01:01We submit that if you're going to spend $50 million of government money, federal, state
01:06and local, on a development, let's get it right.
01:10We're not opposed to the stadium per se, it's just the location, and so we've been accused
01:14of being a nimby, I'm happy with that, it's certainly in my backyard.
01:19Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman says the Council has worked hard to design a sporting facility
01:24for the future that is sensitive to the residents' concerns.
01:27We want to hear those concerns and look after those people to the best of our ability.
01:33But yes, I believe this precinct is going to be an absolute game-changer for the area.