Premier Will Hodgman working with NBL boss Larry Kestelman on his demand Government renovate Derwent Entertainment Centre

Tasmania’s Premier says he is working “constructively” with NBL boss Larry Kestelman on his demand the Government renovate a key piece of infrastructure.

NBL boss Larry Kestelman, Tasmanian-born South East Melbourne Phoenix player Adam Gibson and Premier Will Hodgman at a launch event at Riverside Primary School for the NBL Blitz. Picture: PATRICK GEE

PREMIER Will Hodgman says he is working “constructively” with NBL boss Larry Kestelman on his demand that the Government renovate the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

Mr Kestelman, a property developer, has listed the taxpayer-funded renovation — ahead of him taking full ownership of the DEC — as the price of a team in the NBL. He is also negotiating with the Glenorchy City Council to buy and develop Wilkinsons Point.

The Derwent Entertainment Centre.

Mr Hodgman yesterday said he was prepared to look “very actively” at opportunities to get Tasmanian sports teams in national competitions.

“We greatly appreciate the interest from the NBL of being part of that ambition,” he said.

Mr Hodgman shot some hoops with Mr Kestelman in Launceston ahead of the NBL Blitz pre-season tournament being held across Tasmania this weekend.

Tasmanian-born South East Melbourne Phoenix player Adam Gibson and Premier Will Hodgman. Picture: PATRICK GEE

He said the Government needed to balance the cost to taxpayers with the broader community benefits

“To have the owner of the NBL here, very keen on playing a role, that’s a real positive,” Mr Hodgman said. “We’re approaching this with an open mind.

“We want to see Tasmanian teams competing in national competitions, more Tasmanians participating in sport and greater grassroots development of sports right across our state.

“But we want to also have those broader benefits of increased sporting participation, more tourism, more opportunity to promote our state.”

Mr Kestelman said he was committed to a Tasmanian team in the NBL, and he had local architects already drawing up plans for the redevelopment of the DEC.

He said negotiations with the Government and council were on track for a decision by the end of the year.

“We’re pushing very hard,” Mr Kestelman said. “We’ve got lots of people on the ground doing a lot of good work, so I’m still confident that we’ll have all we need. Then of course it’s up to the Government to make a decision. The fact that the Premier is here I think shows that they’re willing to engage.

“We’re committed to the fact that we know it’s a wonderful product … and we’re committed to putting the licence in gear and, if need be, operating.”

As pressure mounts for Tasmania to have its own team in the NBL, Mr Hodgman said the Blitz was a good opportunity for Tasmanians to show they would turn up to watch.

“I want to issue a challenge to Tasmanians to get to the Blitz. We’ve got the country’s best players right here in our own backyard,” he said.