Jane Howlett,Minister for Sport and Recreation
David O’Byrne’s reckless call to overturn Public Health advice to increase attendances at the Southern Football League grand final is a new low.
The Premier today clearly explained the reasons for the decision by Public Health not to support the SFL’s request for an exemption to increase the attendance limits at North Hobart this Saturday.
While it may not be popular, the decision to maintain the 1000-person limit is consistent with crowd capacity for last weekend’s NWFL grand final between Burnie and Devonport and the Old Scholars grand final at North Hobart.
UTAS is a unique facility in the north of the State, with a seated capacity of more than 13,500 people allowing more than 3000 spectators to attend this weekend’s State Football League grand final at 25 per cent capacity, as a one-off trial.
UTAS Stadium’s seats are individual and numbered, unlike North Hobart where seated capacity is not only much lower but the terraced seating arrangements make crowd control and traceability more difficult.
David O’Byrne can be as irresponsible as he likes in Opposition but the Tasmanian Government will take the advice of Public Health in managing sporting events in a safe and prudent manner.
