Prime Minister Julia Gillard announcing a $15 million grant to upgrade Bellerive Oval.
A SATIRICAL posting on a state Labor Facebook page criticising the government's decision to contribute $15 million towards the Bellerive Oval redevelopment sparked hundreds of online supporters and debate yesterday - only for it to be deleted.
Launceston resident Jack Milne posted a sarcastic open letter to Premier Lara Giddings on the Tasmanian Labor page and attracted more than 1550 likes and 140 comments.
"I wrote it this morning tongue-in- cheek and it just took off really," Mr Milne said.
"It was never intended to create controversy, I was just having a laugh with my mates ... I have actually travelled down to Hobart twice in the past two months to watch the cricket and it is most depressing and embarrassing as a Tasmanian really when you sit in the crowd with less than 6000 people.
"Now they are going to increase the capacity at Bellerive by an extra 4500 when they can't even get to 10,000."
The post was removed by Labor state secretary John Dowling, who said it was in response to one person commenting and using explicit and degrading language towards Ms Giddings.
"Constructive criticism and debate is obviously welcome, but if people want to put offensive and foul comments up then ... the Facebook page is open to everyone and that includes minors," Mr Dowling said.
He said the removal of the post had nothing to do with Mr Milne's original post.
Dear Lara,
I just wanted to commend you on an awesome idea to upgrade Bellerive Oval. $15 million in fact!
I mean health care, road safety and infrastructure screw that! ... Let's spend $15 million of taxpayers' money on increasing the total seating capacity of Blundstone Arena from 15,000 to 19,500.
It's so well justified when the crowd averaged just under 7000 people per day for the Test match played there in December ... and Wednesday's ODI against Sri Lanka had a massive 8200 people attend ... it's probably safe to say when this upgrade is complete North Melbourne fans will be able to have a grandstand each!
I'm sure Dunalley residents will hear this news and say: "What a wonderful idea, what a great Premier we have.
"I may not have a house, but at least Bellerive Oval is getting an upgrade."