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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