Labor leader Dean Winter wants stadium pocket set aside for Tasmanian beverages

Hobart beer producer Jonathan Hess is hoping Tasmanians can be winners both on and off the field once the new Macquarie Point stadium is up and running in time the 2029 AFL season.

Jonathan Hess general manager and co-owner The Albert Brewery Moonah with Labor leader Dean Winter. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Hobart beer producer Jonathan Hess is hoping Tasmanians can be winners both on and off the field once the new Macquarie Point stadium is up and running in time the 2029 AFL season.

The owner and general manager of The Albert Brewery in Moonah, Mr Hess on Thursday backed Opposition Leader Dean Winter’s call for a section of the new multipurpose facility to be set aside for as a dedicated area for local food and beverages.

Dean Winter at The Albert Brewery in Moonah. Labor Leader Dean Winter is calling on the government to ensure Tasmanian beverage producers are represented at the Macquarie Point stadium. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Hess said Tasmania had developed an enviable reputation for producing quality beer, wine, cider, and spirits, with the new facility the ideal location to showcase the state’s wares.

“The stadium is being built to benefit Tasmanians, and we are Tasmanian,” Mr Hess said.

“We could not get that exposure via marketing, so the facility would be a great asset, and to from a sales perspective it would be a great opportunity as well.”

Mr Winter said Labor was “flying the flag” for Tasmanian producers at Mac Point, having already called on the government to implement a local jobs plan for the stadium’s construction.

The Labor Leader said it was vital the government did not sign away full pouring rights to a large brewing conglomerate, and suggested that one part of the new ground be reserved as Tasmanian only.

“We don’t want the stadium to be another venue with $15 plastic cups of mainland beer and $20 hotdogs,” Mr Winter said.

“Tasmanian producers make some of the best food and drinks in the world – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – and we should take every opportunity we can to show them off.

“Rather than signing away full rights to one of the big brewing companies, we want to see a section of the new stadium set aside as a Tasmanian dedicated area.

Dean Winter, Aaron Wilcock taproom manager, Ella Haddad Labor member for Clark at The Albert Brewery in Moonah. Labor Leader Dean Winter is calling on the government to ensure Tasmanian beverage producers are represented at the Macquarie Point stadium. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Ensuring Tassie beverage producers like the Albert Brewery can show-off their wares at the stadium once it’s built is the next step of this local content plan, and also complements Labor’s bold Night-Time Economy strategy.

“I’ve been clear that under my leadership Labor stands for safe, secure and well-paid Tasmanian jobs and we’ll always back in opportunities and businesses to support that vision.”

Government minister Felix Ellis said he while he was looking forward to enjoying a beer at the stadium himself, there was work to do getting the project out of the ground at Macquarie Point.

“We need Labor to back in the planning process … and it’s really clear that we have get on and deliver the stadium.

“Then we’ll worry about beer down the track.

But rest assured, there will be plenty of local producers that will be providing beer and other beverages at the stadium.”

Originally published as Labor leader Dean Winter wants stadium pocket set aside for Tasmanian beverages