Premier change won’t delay looming NBL deadline

The NBL deal is on the table, but the deadline is not far away and won’t be delayed as the Tasmanian Government looks for a new leader.

NO matter who the premier is, the Tasmanian Government has been warned the clock is ticking on the state’s NBL deal.

As revealed by the Mercury, the announcement of a $40 million taxpayer funded redevelopment of the Derwent Entertainment Centre, the building of a new $20 million indoor multisports facility next door, a $200 million private investment of Wilkinsons Point and the state’s return to the NBL were imminent when Premier Will Hodgman announced his intention to resign on Tuesday.

DEC DEAL ALL BUT DONE AS TAS SET TO RETURN TO NBL

Mr Hodgman had been leading negotiations with NBL owner Larry Kestelman, along with Sports Minister Jeremy Rockliff and Treasurer Peter Gutwein – with this duo be forming a ticket to make Mr Gutwein Premier and Mr Rockliff to retain his position of Deputy Premier.

Independent Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie said he had been speaking with Mr Kestelman who remained committed to the proposal.

NBL RELEASES FIRST IMAGES OF ITS PROPOSED DEC REFURBISHMENT

“But just as clearly the window of opportunity is closing and there’s a very real risk of Larry walking away if a deal isn’t reached with the Tasmanian Government within a couple of weeks,” Mr Wilkie said.

“In other words timing is of the essence, and the State Government needs to get cracking and not let the disruption of a change of Premier get in the way of what promises to be a remarkable project.”

Jeremy Rockliff, Acting Premier & Minister for Recreation and Sport receives a jersey from NBL owner Larry Kestelman. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Kestelman previously told the Mercury there was an end of February deadline to begin the redevelopment of the 30-year-old centre and recruit and build a new team in time for the 2021-22 season.

“While we would have liked to have finalised an agreement by Christmas, they have assured us they would like to do this by mid-January so we can start planning,” Mr Kestelman said last month.

“As we’ve said, we need to have certainty as quickly as possible if we are to be able to deliver an NBL team for Tasmania for the 2021-22 season.

“There is a lot to be done and we look forward to a speedy resolution with all parties.”