Hobart’s $1bn-plus AFL stadium set to proceed
Key independent MPs have decided the fate of Tasmania’s contentious AFL stadium, barring any last-minute shocks.
Hobart’s controversial $1bn-plus AFL stadium appears certain to proceed, after key independent MPs swung behind the project in return for spending cap and probity assurances.
The fate of the deeply divisive project, proposed for prime land near the city’s waterfront, rests on independents in the state’s upper house.
Following public statements by key members if the Legislative Council on Wednesday, it appears extremely likely the planning order for the 23,000-seat roofed stadium will pass both houses of parliament, probably on Thursday.
Key swing independent Bec Thomas said her support for the planning order came after the minority Liberal government guaranteed to cap the state’s contribution to $875m.
Ms Thomas, MLC for Elwick in Hobart’s north, said in negotiations she had also secured project oversight by an “independent probity adviser”, $105m for grassroots sport and further progress on long-mooted local transport projects.
“This has been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” she said. “With all my heart I have wanted to support this project.
“But I remain deeply aware of the community’s mixed feelings about it.
“Many Tasmanians are worried about the cost, location, and whether the benefits will truly flow to local people. Those concerns are valid.
“For me, the question has been under what conditions could it possibly earn support.
“That’s why my support for the project is strictly conditional on economic, governance, design and community safeguards that seek to protect the welfare of Tasmanians.”
Fellow key independent MLC Casey Hiscutt signalled his support for the order, as did a third, Tania Rattray, who is government leader in the chamber, giving the government the numbers it requires.
“Our grandchildren won’t thank us for saving a few billion dollars today if it means we miss the chance to anchor a national sporting franchise, host world-class events, reignite urban development,” she told the Legislative Council.
The political support for the stadium comes despite a Tasmanian Planning Commission expert panel recommending it be dumped, finding it was too big, too costly and too damaging to heritage sites.
Stadium opponents vowed to fight on.
“While the stadium may pass the parliament, the fight against it is only gearing up,” said Hobart Our Place spokesman Roland Browne.
“Groups are already forming to fight this proposal in new ways.
“People are angry. And that’s because the massive problems the stadium creates will only worsen along with the state budget, as the full extent of this disastrous proposal and its impact on every Tasmanian’s life becomes more and more apparent.
“We will see stadium taxes, more stadium job cuts and more stadium service cuts in Treasurer Eric Abetz’s May 2026 budget, and even more cuts in his May 2027 budget.”
In an excoriating report released in September, the planning umpire warned the project would return less than 50 cents in the dollar, impose a cost equivalent of $5900 per head of the population not reliant on welfare, and require taxes to rise $50m a year.
The planning body also warned the project – a key demand of the AFL in return for Tasmania’s Devils team entering the competition – would cost the state’s already dire finances $1.8bn in debt and interest.
Despite revolts in some branches, Labor is also backing the project.
The federal government has pledged $240m for a wider Macquarie Point revitalisation, including the stadium. The AFL has pledged $15m.
The new $875m funding cap negotiated by Ms Thomas follows Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s previous pre-election promise that $375m “and not one red cent more” of taxpayer funds would be spent on the project.
The Minister for Macquarie Point Urban Renewal, Eric Abetz, said the project would be economically transformative, as well as securing the Devils team.
“During the construction period, the stadium is expected to create over 1500 jobs and 200 jobs on an ongoing basis once in operation,” Mr Abetz said.
“This is an economic boon for the entire state – with a tourism and construction ripple effect to be sent to every corner of Tasmania.
“Tasmania’s strong economy underpins everything we do, and this is an opportunity we cannot miss.”
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