<h2>Tasmania Macquarie Point Stadium Moves a Step Closer As Key Vote Secured - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Independent Bec Thomas backs Tasmania Devils stadium build under strict conditions, bringing the supporter count to seven</p> <p>- $1.13 billion Macquarie Point venue requires eight votes to pass, with decision now resting on two remaining independents</p> <p>- Stadium construction aims for 2029 completion, one year after the Devils' anticipated 2028 AFL debut</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Independent Bec Thomas has thrown crucial support behind the Tasmania Devils stadium project, edging the $1.13 billion Macquarie Point venue closer to approval in Wednesday's upper house debate.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Thomas Delivers Conditional Stadium Support</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The influential independent's decision represents a pivotal moment for the Tasmania Devils stadium proposal, with Thomas revealing six key conditions underpinning her support. Speaking on ABC, Thomas emphasised her long-held desire to back the project whilst acknowledging community concerns about costs.</p> <p>"I have long said with all my heart from the outset that I want to be able to support this," Thomas stated. "I want Tasmania to have the opportunities that other states have. We deserve to have the infrastructure that other states have. We deserve to have our own AFL team, and that's long overdue."</p> <p>Her backing brings the pro-stadium camp to seven supporters, comprising three Liberals and three Labour members alongside Thomas herself. The roofed stadium project requires a minimum of eight votes from the upper house to proceed with construction, planned for completion by 2029.</p> <h2>&nbsp;</h2> <h2>Final Decision Hangs on Two Independents</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With seven confirmed supporters and five declared opponents, the Tasmania Devils stadium fate now rests with independents Casey Hiscutt and Dean Harriss. Independent MLC for Murchison, Ruth Forrest, has positioned herself against the build, whilst Hiscutt has previously expressed favourable views toward the stadium proposal.</p> <p>The current voting breakdown shows Labour's Luke Edmunds and Sarah Lovell, Liberals Kerry Vincent, Jo Palmer and Nick Duigan, and independents Bec Thomas and Tania Rattray supporting the project. Opposition comes from independents Mike Gaffney, Meg Webb, Ruth Forrest and Rosemary Armitage, alongside Green Cassy O'Connor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>AFL Integration Timeline Drives Urgency</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The stadium debate carries additional urgency as Tasmania prepares for integration into both men's and women's AFL competitions. The Devils are scheduled to join the league in 2028, making the proposed 2029 stadium completion timeline particularly tight for the new franchise.</p> <p>The Macquarie Point location represents a significant infrastructure investment for Tasmania, potentially transforming the state's sporting landscape. The roofed design aims to provide year-round functionality whilst accommodating the unique weather challenges of Tasmania's climate.</p> <p>Thomas's conditional support highlights the delicate balance between sporting ambition and fiscal responsibility that has characterised the stadium debate. Her emphasis on Tasmania deserving equal opportunities with other states resonates with the broader push for AFL representation that has driven the Devils' creation.</p> <p>The upper house's final debate continues as lawmakers weigh the substantial investment against the potential economic and social benefits of hosting AFL matches in Tasmania. With the decision margin razor-thin, every remaining vote carries enormous significance for the Devils' long-term home prospects.</p> <p>The outcome will determine whether Tasmania can deliver the infrastructure promised to secure its AFL licence, with the roofed stadium representing a cornerstone of the Devils' successful integration into Australia's premier football competition.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>