NBL boss says Tasmania is back in the game for licence as DEC talks heat up

It was looking frosty for a while, but the NBL and the Tasmanian Government are back talking and feeling the love, the league’s owner says.

NBL boss Larry Kestelman has been buoyed by his latest meeting with the Tasmanian Government and believes the deal to get the state back into the national competition is back on.

It is believed the two parties were at a stalemate with Mr Kestelman seeking taxpayer funding to redevelop the 30-year-old Derwent Entertainment Centre, the jewel of his proposed $200 million development of Wilkinsons Point into a sporting, shopping and restaurant precinct.

While Mr Kestelman will fund the broader redevelopment, he will not sign off on the deal with the Glenorchy City Council without a funding commitment from the State Government for the DEC.

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An artist’s impression of the proposed upgrade to the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

However, he said negotiations would continue after meeting with the Government in Hobart today.

“Things are progressing well,” Mr Kestelman told the Mercury.

“The numbers and what needed to be done with the DEC is not an easy thing to do, we’ve got multiple parties – we’ve got the council, the State Government and potentially Federal Government – so it is not an easy process.

“But I have to say the spirit is very good, the Government feels positive it is still something they want to do, which is exciting for us, and we’ll work through with them and continue on the path so so far so good.”

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Recreation and Sport Minister Jeremy Rockliff, left, receives a jersey from NBL owner Larry Kestelman at the announcement the NBL Blitz would be heading to Tasmania. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

A spokesperson said the Government welcomed negotiations but added:

“There are a number of factors to still consider and as we have stressed from the start of these negotiations the deal must represent value for taxpayers’ money.”

Mr Kestelman confirmed he had almost reached an agreement with the Glenorchy City Council for the sale of the DEC and Wilkinsons Point – he is now just waiting on the State Government.

“We are pretty close with the council with where things lie. There is still a bit to do but I would say we are not far apart,” he said.

He would not say how much he was seeking as he said there was a range of options before the Government from a basic basketball venue to a full redevelopment capable of hosting concerts and other attractions and events.

It is believed the starting asking price is $20 million through to $30 million-plus, with an additional $1.5 million a year to run an NBL club.

It was originally hoped there would be a final decision before the end of the year. Mr Kestelman said that was still the ambitious goal, but that it may not be possible.

“We are going away to do some work on the numbers and see what needs to be done and keep working on our proposal with the council as well,” he said.