Macquarie Point stadium: Tasmanian Government to release enabling legislation for consultation as new renders revealed
Further details have emerged as the government pulls the trigger on laws to enable an AFL stadium to be built at Macquarie Point. SEE THE NEW DESIGNS >>
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UPDATE 6PM: The Tasmanian government has fired the starting gun on legislation to enable the Macquarie Point stadium, opening a three-week public consultation process amid revelations the project’s estimated price tag had skyrocketed by $170m.
Promising the Hobart development would trigger a statewide boom in jobs and economic activity, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, on Tuesday admitted the project was now forecast to cost $945m – up from government’s recent $775m estimate.
Mr Abetz said in drafting the legislation, the government had taken into account concerns raised in an interim report by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, which had been considering the stadium proposal under the now-abandoned Project of State Significance process.
The Minister said that after 12 years of remediation work at the former industrial site, Macquarie Point was now the best land available for a stadium that will eventually become the playing home of the Tasmania Devils Football Club.
The legislation requires approval from both houses of the Tasmanian parliament to green-light a construction process to be overseen by the Macquarie Point Development Corporation.
“We are confident that this legislation provides the necessary details for the parliament to provide their support,” Mr Abetz said.
“It is time to draw a line in the sand and provide certainty for our own AFL Team and the enabling infrastructure that is critical to make our team a success.
“The impact the multi-purpose stadium will have on our economy, jobs, and investment is simply an opportunity we can’t miss.
“Now, it’s time we got on with building it.”
If passed, the Macquarie Point Planning Permit Bill 2025 would issue a conditional permit for a multi-purpose stadium; acquire land necessary for the development of the northern access road; consolidate titles on the site, and permit other “essential development” required for stadium’s operation.
With the public consultation process now open until 16 June, Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff used parliament to voice her concerns over legislation which she said provided unprecedented powers to the minister and other government figures.
Ms Woodruff accused the government of attempting to rewrite the rules to get the project approved, and warned it could adopt similar tactics when it came to the stadium’s construction.
UPDATE MIDDAY: A parliamentary committee has warned of the “serious financial risks” to building a stadium at Macquarie Point, after identifying unresolved issues in the plan to deliver the 23,000-seat, fixed roof stadium project.
Following the government’s recent decision not to proceed with a public-private partnership to support the stadium build, the Public Accounts Committee recommended that any borrowings be reported in state budgets, and have regular parliamentary oversight.
UPDATE 9.45: Promised legislation to pass the Macquarie Point stadium has been released for a three-week public consultation period, after the government revealed the project’s estimated cost had skyrocketed by $170 million.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, on Tuesday morning said the so-called enabling legislation would provide the appropriate permits for the government to proceed with its Macquarie Point precinct development vision, which he said would now cost $945 million.
The revised cost figure — up from government’s previous forecast of $775 million — will be included in Thursday’s state budget.
Minister Abetz said the multi-purpose stadium promised to deliver thousands of jobs for Tasmania and “an unrivalled level of economic activity”.
“The government has reviewed and acknowledged the concerns and challenges raised within the draft Integrated Assessment Report by the Tasmanian Planning Commission,” he said.
“This draft Bill and subsequent planning conditions addresses these points and demonstrate the efforts by the government to ensure the legislation is comprehensive.
“We are confident that this legislation provides the necessary details for the parliament to
provide their support.
“We have been remediating and preparing Macquarie Point for development for over twelve
years, and we know this land is the best available CBD site for a stadium.
“It is time to draw a line in the sand and provide certainty for our own AFL Team and the enabling infrastructure that is critical to make our team a success.
“Now, it’s time we got on with building it.”
The consultation material can be viewed online, or in person at:
* Hobart Library, Level 1/91 Murray St, Hobart (during opening hours)
* Launceston Library, 71 Civic Square, Launceston (during opening hours)
* Devonport Library, Paranaple Centre, 137 Rooke Street, Devonport (during opening hours)
* Burnie Library, 30 Alexander Street, Burnie (during opening hours)
Consultation closes Monday 16 June 2025.
Earlier: The State Government will today release enabling legislation for Tasmanians to have their say on a new AFL stadium at Macquarie Point.
It comes as new renders of the stadium are released, showing what the stadium would look like during game day mode, with the roof, TV screens and Devils-themed lighting.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources Eric Abetz said the full potential of the stadium was being realised by the day.
“Momentum is building as work continues to deliver our Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium,” Mr Abetz said.
“The latest renders reinforce the incredible opportunity that is at our feet. Tasmanians can now see for themselves the key design features – the 1500 person conference centre, where amenities will be placed and so much more.
“This is a once-in-a-generation project that will set up Tasmania for the future, driving economic growth, delivering jobs, and supporting our entertainment, cultural and sporting industries.”
Mr Abetz reiterated the point that a new stadium was key to the Tasmanian Devils being able to get boots on the ground and secure the AFL’s 19th licence.
“The agreement with the AFL is clear: the Tasmanian licence is conditional on a stadium being built at Macquarie Point in Hobart,” Mr Abetz said.
“If the stadium does not get the support of the parliament, the team will cease to exist.
“The Tasmanian Government will today be releasing enabling legislation for consultation, so we get on with this project and get construction underway.”
Minister Felix Ellis on Monday said following the weekend’s Legislative Council elections, the chances of seeing the legislation pass was “about the same”.
“Clearly there’s support for candidates who supported the stadium, noting the result in Pembroke and the result in Montgomery had more than 60% of votes cast for candidates that support the stadium,” Mr Ellis said.
“So we’re keen to work closely with the Legislative Council and with the whole parliament to deliver this important legislation for the future of Tasmania.”
More details on how Tasmanians can have their say will be released later today.
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