State government to continue with its plans for the Macquarie Point AFL stadium

Since Dr Nicolas Gruen’s scathing report on the proposed stadium was released on Friday, the state government has not made an official media appearance. Until Sunday, when a Liberal MP fronted the media.

Dr Nicholas Gruen. Picture: Supplied.

The state government finally broke its silence on a scathing report on the proposed AFL stadium at Macquarie Point.

No member of the Rockliff government has made an official media appearance since the release of Dr Nicholas Gruen’s report on Friday.

The independent report, which the Jacqui Lambie Network requested, warned that the project displayed “the hallmarks of mismanagement” and would likely cost more than $1b.

Hobart Hospitality – Minister Jane Howlett at Cascade on Collins. Picture: Caroline Tan

But Liberal MP Jane Howlett said on Sunday – the first government minister to publicly appear since the report was released – that its financial commitment to the stadium would remain at $375m “and not a cent more”.

“We’ve had so much interest from private investors as well, so we’re looking at all options. We’re focused on delivery, and that’s what we’re doing; we’re delivering on this stadium,” Howlett said.

“It’s the most scrutinised project ever in Tasmania’s history, and this infrastructure project is so important for the state and generations to come.”

Ms Howlett also said the government would unlikely re-enter negotiations with the AFL over the stadium.

“We are building the stadium, getting on with the job, and that’s what we’re doing; that’s what our focus is.

“This is the right deal for Tasmania.”

She also ruled out considering the 2.0 proposal for the stadium, which is earmarked on land around the corner from Macquarie Point.

Our Place spokesperson Roland Browne at the Hobart waterfront. Picture: Chris Kidd

Since the report’s release, groups against the stadium have called on the government to reconsider its plans for the project.

“We need the Premier, or failing that, just one politician in the Liberal Party with a backbone and the integrity to tell the AFL we’re going to have our AFL men and women’s teams, but not a stadium, until Tasmania can afford it at a site where we decide, not mainlanders,” Our Place Hobart Spokesman Roland Browne said.

“It’s that simple.

“The alternative, as Dr Gruen makes clear, is an economic catastrophe for Tasmania, lasting many years or even decades.

“That’s jobs and services and our children’s future that are in play here.

“Dr Gruen outlines the way forward: games to be played at the existing stadia until a proper decision is made as to where the Devils are to be based.”

Originally published as State government to continue with its plans for the Macquarie Point AFL stadium