No time frame on public money decision on Derwent Entertainment Centre upgrade

The Government says the deal must represent value for taxpayers’ money, but Labor has criticised the Hodgman Government for what it says is indecision on the issue.

THE Opposition and one of Tasmania’s most successful basketballers have called on the State Government to show more urgency on a bid for an NBL team, or risk missing out.

The clock is ticking for the Hodgman Government to decide if it will commit to help funding an upgrade to the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

NBL BOSS SAYS TASMANIA IS BACK IN THE GAME FOR LICENCE

The proposal for a Tasmanian team is contingent on the Government’s financial support of NBL owner Larry Kestelman’s plans to refurbish the Glenorchy venue.

The NBL was hopeful negotiations would be complete by the end of this year.

NBL RELEASES FIRST IMAGES OF PROPOSED DEC REFURBISHMENT

Labor sport spokesman David O’Byrne accused the Liberals of indecision, and said the party’s multiple offers to work with the Government had been knocked back.

Labor sport spokesman David O’Byrne.

“It seems this Government is mired by indecision and a lack of leadership that it fails to see beyond the short-term politics in trying to build community consensus,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Tasmanian and three-time NBL championship winner Matthew Knight said it was now or never for the state’s hopes of a team.

Tasmanian NBL champion Matthew Knight.

“You don’t wait to wait too long and the licence goes to another team,’’ he said.

“Tassie may miss out again and who knows how long it will be before another opportunity comes around.”

The NBL would not comment yesterday when asked if the Government should show more urgency to get the deal done.

The upgrade of the DEC is key to Mr Kestelman’s $200 million masterplan for a sporting, restaurant and shopping precinct that would also see the state return to the league.

NBL owner Larry Kestelman. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Kestelman is in exclusive negotiations with the Glenorchy City Council over the sale of the venue and Wilkinsons Point.

A Government spokeswoman would not say when a decision on whether or not to pledge taxpayers’ money for the project would be made.

“We have not heard from Labor regarding the NBL for well over 12 months,’’ she said.

“While we do not know what Labor’s position is, we do know that any deal with the NBL would need to represent value for taxpayers’ money and involve support from all levels of government.”