Anthony Albanese Hobart stadium pledge paves way for Tasmanian AFL side

Tasmania is set to finally secure an AFL side, with the Prime Minister on Saturday to announce $240m in federal funds to help build a new Hobart stadium.

An artists impression of what Hobart's new AFL stadium at Macquarie Point could look like. Images supplied by AFL

Tasmania is to finally secure an AFL side, with Anthony Albanese on Saturday to announce $240m in federal funds to help build a new Hobart stadium.

The Prime Minister will confirm the funding is in the May 9 federal budget, allowing the state to proceed with the $740m-plus stadium demanded by the AFL as a condition for a Tasmanian side, potentially to be called the Tassie Devils.

On Friday, Mr Albanese made it clear he expected the AFL to imminently announce the 19th licence for Tasmania. “I encourage the AFL to make that announcement,” he said.

He has pushed the state Liberal government to include a housing development on land neighbouring the Macquarie Point stadium site. This apartment complex on the waterfront at nearby Regatta Point will include affordable homes and housing for healthcare workers and veterans.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff trumpeted the stadium as the “core” of the plan for Macquarie Point, former industrial land wedged between the city’s CBD and waterfront.

“The Urban Renewal project has a multi-purpose 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.”

While the stadium is strongly supported by the business and tourism sectors, it faces public opposition from a broad range of critics. These include the Greens, federal Liberal MPs and senators, and the state ALP, all of whom say a stadium should not be a prerequisite for the 19th AFL licence. They argue the cost cannot be justified during deep crises in health, housing and the cost of living.

The Tasmanian RSL also opposes the project, believing it will overshadow the city’s Cenotaph, while the Royal Hobart Regatta Association fears the adjacent housing development will impact the regatta, an annual event since 1838.

A joint federal-state government announcement will argue housing is a “central part of the broader precinct”.

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

There have long been plans for light rail linking the site to the northern suburbs, but governments have for many years baulked at the cost. It is not clear if or how the plan will advance the stalled concept.