Concerns are growing around the reassessment of Tasmania’s proposed sporting stadium — and by extension, the addition of an inaugural AFL team in the Apple Isle — as projected costing for the venue extends to nearly $1 billion.
The waterfront stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart, which in essence is compulsory for Tasmania to enter the AFL in 2028, is now estimated to cost $945 million; a figure $200m more expensive than its initial figure.
As things stand, the Tasmanian state government has pledged $375 million towards the stadium, while the federal government has committed to $240 million. The AFL body’s $15 million contribution has also been made public, leaving a bit over $300m remaining to be funded through state borrowings.
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As the price on the venue rises, so do the nerves of Tasmanians and many other footy fans who simply want to see the Apple Isle rewarded with an AFL side in the coming years.
Speaking on AFL360, hosts Gerard Whateley and Melbourne great Garry Lyon dissected the state of play on the stadium, with the heat about to be turned up a notch as it hits parliament.
“This is significant because the state budget is later this week, and the (final figure) has to be put into it. It’s better to know now, than to have the cost overrun,” Whateley began by saying on Tuesday night.
“The sceptics will still tell you that this won’t be built for less than $1.2 billion. As matters stand, bipartisan supports exists for the stadium. The draft legislation was published today (and) will go to the lower house of parliament in June, (before) a month of debate, and then the vote in July — where it will either pass or not.
“Bipartisan support would see it go through, then to the upper house, where the stadium would need (support from) two of the Independents — who probably if the vote was held yesterday, you would probably be counting of those votes, and it would pass through into law and construction would begin.”
Speaking to media on Tuesday evening, league chief executive Andrew Dillon spoke to media on the work that has gone into the project for a 19th AFL team, which in principal, has been agreed upon since late 2022. The multi-purpose stadium has had questions asked of it by higher ups within cricket circles, however Dillon is adamant the stadium will still have a roof on it despite cricket’s reluctance to play under one.
“There’s a lot of work that’s gone into the planning process that’s happening now … we’re really confident that the work’s been done, and that it’s within an envelope that the Tasmanian government, with assistance from the federal government and others, will be able to deliver,” Dillon said.
“The stadium needs to be fit for purpose; not just for football, but for other sports. And I know the report already refers to ways to mitigate that.
“The requirement under the licence is for a roof stadium at Macquarie Point … cricket’s been played under a roof here (in Australia), and I’m sure we’ll be able to make that work down in Tasmania.”
So, the all-important question — is there a genuine chance the proposed stadium is knocked back?
Unfortunately, there is, as Whateley and Lyon explain in the transcription below:
Garry Lyon: Gerard, cut through this for the people sitting at home that aren’t interested in the money (or) the figures; they’re just wondering whether or not we’re going to get a 19th (AFL) team in Tasmania. The stance has been from day one — no stadium, no team. (Tasmania Devils CEO) Brendon ‘Benny’ Gale said as recently as last week that ‘we might all be out of a job (in Tasmania) if this doesn’t pass’. Tell us what’s happening, tell us what will happen.
Gerard Whateley: This will either pass parliament or not, and it will do so in the last week of July or the first week of August.
GL: If it doesn’t pass, is that it?
GW: (pauses) Superficially, yes. Everyone will say absolutely, that is it. And there’s an unwavering stance; ‘Benny’ Gale couldn’t have been clearer when he said ‘we’ll all be out of jobs’.
GL: So, you paused then, so you’re saying if they blink, that they might still come back to the table?
GW: In my heart of hearts, I do believe that would happen. It’s nobody’s preference to get there. But are we going to fold the whole idea and cut the state adrift forever more, and break all the hearts that have been given over to it?
GL: Will they move past them? If they can’t come all together and commit to this as a state, and from a government point of view, will the AFL just move past them and say: ‘Hey, you had your chance’?
GW: Every public statement is yes. In my heart of hearts, I believe no.
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