Albanese government set to fund Hobart AFL stadium
Confidence is rising in Tasmanian political and sporting circles that the Albanese government will commit significant funds for a new Hobart AFL stadium.
Confidence is rising in Tasmanian political and sporting circles that the Albanese government will commit significant funds for a new Hobart AFL stadium.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not respond to questions on Tuesday, amid speculation of a pending announcement on the state’s request for $240m in federal funds for the stadium.
State Labor firmly opposes the $740m stadium, arguing it should not be a prerequisite for Tasmanian obtaining an AFL team and that the funds would be better spent on health, education or housing.
However, the stadium is proposed for Macquarie Point on former industrial land wedged between Hobart’s waterfront and CBD that Mr Albanese has long advocated for development.
The state Liberal government argues the project, which has divided local opinion, would unlock a wider entertainment and arts precinct at the prime site.
Federal funds are the final impediment to Tasmania being granted the long-awaited AFL team, with the state Liberal government already promising $375m for the stadium, the AFL $15m, and $85m to come from “borrowings against land sale or lease for commercial uses”.
While some in the federal government have baulked at the pitch for funds, they are also keen to avoid being portrayed as the reason the state was ultimately denied an AFL side.
Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson agreed the state was hearing “positive noises” from the federal government. “We certainly are – we are very optimistic about it,” Mr Ferguson said.
He expected the AFL to greenlight the licence “straight after” any positive funding announcement by the federal government.
Mr Ferguson on Monday played down suggestions the federal funding may be focused on other elements of the Macquarie Point redevelopment, allowing more state funds to be diverted to the stadium.
This broader approach appeared to be flagged by Mr Albanese during a visit to the state earlier this month.
“It should be seen not as a site of a potential footy stadium, but as a site for urban redevelopment that will enhance the city of Hobart and make it even better in the future, that will enhance economic activities,” Mr Albanese said on April 18.
“One of the things that I’ve said is that we need to look at housing, we need to look at the way that the beautiful foreshore at the Derwent operates.
“And that’s the context in which we’re considering the application, essentially, from the Tasmanian government.”
Mr Ferguson confirmed the timing of funding could be flexible, with the option of the new team playing at existing AFL stadiums at Bellerive and York Park.
State Labor appears to be sticking to its opposition to the stadium, with leader Rebecca White only days ago declaring: “A billion-dollar stadium is not a priority for Tasmania, and we should not have to build one to get our team.”
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