AFL Commission to meet, provide official update on Tasmanian club in coming days

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has praised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for “realising the vision” for the Macquarie Point precinct. LATEST >

Latest, April 29 11.30am:

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has praised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for “realising the vision” for the Macquarie Point precinct, after the PM announced $240m will go to its redevelopment.

In a statement, the AFL welcomed the funding announcement made by Mr Albanese in Hobart this morning.

The AFL will now formally go to the 18 clubs for support for a 19th licence to be based in Tasmania.

The AFL Commission will then meet and an official update from the AFL will be provided in the coming days.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan.

Mr McLachlan thanked the federal government for “realising the vision” for the Macquarie Point precinct “and all the economic activity the urban redevelopment will bring to the state”.

“The redevelopment itself as part of a wider urban renewal vision can play a major role in transforming the city and the state an provide wider social benefits for the Tasmanian community,” Mr McLachlan said.

He also thanked and congratulated Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

Mr McLachlan said for a club to compete and succeed on the national stage, it needed a home that “enables and empowers it” to compete on and off the field.

“And today’s announcement gives a potential Tasmanian club that opportunity,” he said.

“It is why so much work has been done between the AFL and the Tasmanian State Government to ensure not just a team for Tasmania, but a destination club, playing in a destination stadium, in a destination state,” he said.

“The stadium at Mac Point is the final workstream, with the question on a 19th licence to be answered in the coming days.”

Update, April 29 10am:

Protesters have heckled the PM during his visit to Hobart this morning where he announced a $240m in funding towards the redevelopment of Macquarie Point.

They shouted “we want affordable housing”, “there are people living in tents 500m away” and

“people cant afford to eat”.

Anti-stadium protesters have heckled Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he announced $240m in funding towards the redevelopment of Macquarie Point in Hobart.

A lone climate action activist also watched on with a sign reading ‘no new coal or gas projects’ and she also shouted “we don’t want a stadium”.

Mr Albanese recalled that in 2012 he had stood at the site and given $50m as infrastructure minister.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Hobart in relation to funding for a stadium at Macquarie Point. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“And the truth is more should have been done over the last decade,” Mr Albanese said

“This is derelict land, something needed to be done.”

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the urban renewable project would be important not just for Hobart, but for the rest of Australia.

You beauty: $240m kick for Macquarie Point, AFL team days away

Initial: April 29, 5am

Tasmania’s AFL team is only days away with the federal government confirming its $240m investment toward a brand new stadium as part of what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says is a “one-in-a-generation” urban renewal project making Macquarie Point a “jewel in the crown” for Hobart.

PM Anthony Albanese and Tasmania premier Jeremy Rockliff at Friday's announcement of federal funding to upgrade Launceston's UTAS Stadium. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

The PM announced a $65m injection into UTAS Stadium on Friday to ensure the Launceston venue remains a first-rate boutique AFL battle ground.

That will be followed on Saturday when Mr Albanese arrives in Hobart to add $240m toward the Macquarie Point stadium and waterfront and urban development site.

The state government will contribute $375m, the AFL has committed $15m, with the balance to come from land sales and leasing, and naming rights.

Mr Albanese said his government’s investment would help unlock the potential of the Macquarie Point precinct, cementing the site as the next step in building a more vibrant Hobart.

“This exciting precinct plan will provide real affordable housing for Tasmanians, real jobs and new transport solutions,” Mr Albanese said.

“This sets up Macquarie Point as the future jewel in the crown for Hobart. A place where people can live, work and come together.”

Albo kicks one for Tassie. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Confirmation of federal funding gives AFL boss Gill McLachlan a green light for an expected visit to Hobart early next week to confirm Tasmania has the 19th licence, on the basis that Tassie maintained “strong backing” from the majority of the 18 club presidents

Mr Albanese said the federal government supported Hobart’s urban renewal project on the promise that the state government would “develop a refreshed precinct plan that stretches from Macquarie Point through to crown land at Regatta Point, including a focus on transport connections, while prioritising Hobart port upgrades and housing for Tasmanians”.

“Housing is recognised as a central part of the broader precinct, Mr Albanese said.

“In consultation with stakeholders, crown land at Regatta Point will be developed through a public-private partnership, delivering a mix of waterfront housing, including affordable homes and housing for critical health workers and veterans.

“A refreshed plan for the site and engagement with the community, will guide the project so it delivers on the priorities of the Hobart locals. This includes working with First Nations groups, Hobart City Council and RSL Tasmania to ensure all existing and proposed uses respect the history of the site and region.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff looks over plans for the urban renewal project at Regatta Point next to Macquarie Point.

“The Australian government will also invest $65m towards the planned UTAS Stadium redevelopment in Launceston, supporting economic activity and the proud sporting legacy of Tasmania’s North.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff (left) hopes work will begin as soon as possible.

“The urban renewal project has a multipurpose stadium at its core, which will inspire economic activity around it and strengthen our economy for decades to come,” he said.

“It will be a unique destination to attract visitors to our state, and will finally mean Tassie can host events that have previously bypassed the state. It creates certainty for investment and thousands of new jobs, which will give young people a reason to stay in Tasmania.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King is committed to working in partnership with the state government and local councils to revitalise this site in a way that benefits everybody.

Macquarie Point and surrounds. This will be the site of the AFL stadium in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“This site has been dormant for too long and I am pleased that this federal government funding will unlock its potential,” she said.

“Negotiations with the Tasmanian government have ensured that the infrastructure the state needs will be prioritised on the site.

“These investments are part of our government’s commitment to creating a sustainable investment framework for our growing cities.”

Federal Housing and Homelessness Minister Julie Collins was delighted the project was confirmed.

“After a decade of inaction at Macquarie Point, this plan represents a huge opportunity for Tasmania. I’m particularly pleased that housing is a central part of the precinct plan,” she said.

“This will build on the work the Albanese government is already doing to ensure more Tasmanians have a safe and affordable place to call home.”

Originally published as AFL Commission to meet, provide official update on Tasmanian club in coming days